International Youth Day is
commemorated every year on 12th August to spur more youths to take action while
celebrating the contribution of youths to Sustainable Development at National and Global levels.
To mark 2017 International Youth Day,
themed- Youth Building Peace, a wonderful and youthful personality was featured
in the World Changers Hub. Let's meet her...
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All over the world, young persons are shaping the future of their respective countries. I am glad Nigeria has joined the train
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Respondent: I am Sira-Teeh Ngbor, from Ogoni in Rivers State
and as my name implies, I am the first daughter of the house. I was born in
Port Harcourt, Rivers State but my family moved to Warri, Delta State when I
was 2 months old so it's safe to say I am warri bred.
Interviewer: What was growing up like for you?
Respondent: Growing up was a wholesome experience for me. There
was the street life and my very strict parents on the other hand, so thankfully
things we picked up didn't stick. Overtime my family moved again and again,
that I think contributes to my diversity in thought and perception.
Interviewer: Can you tell us about your educational background?
Respondent: I got my B.Sc. Human Anatomy, University of Port
Harcourt and was supposed to further in family medicine but that changed when I
volunteered for a UN peace corp program. I knew I had found my path. I didn't
want to be anything else but a diplomat
Interviewer: You are a peace ambassador… Can you tell us about that?
Respondent: I dived into volunteering and policy making with no
expectations whatsoever and didn't even know I could get perks from it, the
nomination came and I am grateful for it.
Interviewer: What drives you?
Respondent: Growing up in Warri, my exposure to children in rural
areas opened my eyes to the neglect and psychological starvation coupled with
moral decadence children are plagued with. Knowing that a little guidance from well-meaning
adults can shape their future, fuels me.
Interviewer: How do you balance being a wife, mother and social
entrepreneur?
Respondent: On balancing all my roles, I honestly do not know how
I do it myself. I guess you really do not have boundaries and limitations when
you keep pushing. Every once in a while I like to kick back and make sure no
aspect is suffering.
Interviewer: What can be done to raise more youths with passion for
transformation and Nation building?
Respondent: Raising an awareness of civic responsibility at a
young age helps to shape their life pattern as adults. Patriotism is somewhat
alien to Nigerians. Majority wants a piece of the national cake without wanting
to put any effort into getting that cake into the oven. Civic responsibility is
the sure way to spur young ones into nation building.
Interviewer: What do you have to say about the “Not too young to
run bill”?
Respondent: The not too young to run bill is coming late but
better late than never. All over the world, young persons are shaping the
future of their respective countries. I am glad Nigeria has joined the train
Interviewer: What’s your word for the Nigerian youth as we
commemorate the 2017 International Youth Day?
Respondent: Selflessness is key in being a peace ambassador. The
zeal to do more, to push where others are giving up, selflessness to sacrifice
luxuries for community service
Interviewer: Any last words?
Respondent: My last word would be for every Nigerian youth to stay
"woked." Be consciously and intentionally aware of happenings at
state and federal level. No matter your station in life, be a part of a bigger
picture.
Interviewer: Wow! Thank you so much Amb. Sira.
Happy International Youth Day to every
youth out there.
Remember, Stay "woked"
