Chinazor Megbolu
16 September 2008
Lagos — Bn a bid to change the mindset of barracks child, a foundation, Army Barracks Youths Foundation (ABYF) is canvassing for N1 billion to be able to set up facilities that will uplift their standard of living.
President of the foundation, Prince McDonald Otoba said this recently in a chat with THISDAY during a youth empowerment programme, organised by the foundation at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ikeja-Lagos.
He said the objective is to change the mindset of the barracks children so that they can begin to think and act positively, and to be able to rise above all frustrations and limitations to succeed in life.
According to him, "whatever they can do now starts with their minds so that they can be given a new sense of direction for new goals, new strategies and how to achieve their dreams in life".
"With a budget of N1 billion, we will be able to put in place the finest computer, internet and recreational centres and at the same time, a building that would host all activities. So with such a fund, we will be able to move forward and with support from the Federal Government, it will help us reshape the lives of the barracks child", he said.
Otoba added that for sometime now the foundation has been the one funding every activity they have rendered so far because of their commitment.
He also pointed that ABYF is designed to help army barracks children move to the next level because they have been neglected and frustrated for a very long time and this opportunity, which he said was launched by President Umaru Yar'Adua is a welcome development for the barracks child.
In his words: With this, we will be able to segregate and move to the next level. Some of the things the barracks child has always wanted is to do their own businesses, go to school, achieve the highest stake as far as education is concerned in order to stand tall.
Additionally, he stated that most of them are looking forward to becoming professionals in their own chosen career but because of the limited resources, they have not been able to achieve this for a very long time.
On where he sees the foundation in 10 years' time, Otoba said it (ABYF) will have metamorphosed into an industry that help the barrack youths achieve whatever it is they want to be in life.
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This is the first good thing that has come out of Nigeria in years. The Army Barracks is home to lots of kids. I rememember this very well since I was in service myself and used to visit lots of barracks in lagos and Kaduna. The major activities should include after school homework review centers for those in High Schols and Colleges as well as athletic activities to enable interbarracks competitions. I am very good in teaching people to get into universities for law, math and the sciences in the United States. If you need my services say so and… [Read Full Text]