Four Ambassadors from Covenant University are currently participating in this year's Nigerian International Model United Nations Society (NIGIMUNS) conference 2007, taking place in the nation's Capital city of Abuja.
The conference, which is the third in the series, is being organized by the Nigerian International UN model Society Abuja. The objective of the programme is to harness ideas from youths in the world on how to drive the globe into the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS).
The theme of the conference is "Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion our Collective Responsibility". The proceeding at the programme is in two parts, namely The General Assembly and Committee Sessions.
The Covenant University Ambassadors include Ebron Owolabi, Messrs Chude Okonji, Oluwatoni Nathaniel and Odunayo Sodipo and they will be representing Cuba, Switzerland, Germany and the United Kingdom respectively.
Other members of the University delegation include Mr. Sheriff Folarin, the coordinator of the programme and lecturer in the Department of Policy and Strategic Studies/International Relations and Mr. Johnson, Olusegun Akorele, a Student Affairs Officer.
SHERIFF FOLARIN
Mr. Folarin is the Coordinator and leader of the University Delegation to the NIGIMUNS 2007.
He is a Lecturer in the Department of Policy and Strategic Studies/International Relations, Covenant University and Fulbright Scholar.
My Expectations:
This is Covenant University's first outing in NIGIMUNS. The University expects to make a difference with its cream of students representing the Institution and by its ICT capacity.
It is hoped that all that will be suggested by the four delegates (Ambassadors) will go a long way in improving the lot of humanity not only in the four countries, but also indeed across the globe.
JOHNSON, OLUSEGUN AKORELE
Mr. John is a Student Affairs Officer. He is also a member of Faculty Support Programme and staff member in the International Students office, Covenant University
My Expectation:
We would, by the Grace of God represent Covenant University in this Model International Conference, with the aim of reaching an agreement on how to ameliorate the surging rate of deaths associated with injuries from accidents.
By the grace of God, we are coming back to the University with laurels and I am aiming at getting 'The best Accompany staff Award' at the end of the programme.
AMBASSADORS
Name: Owolabi Gbohunmi Ebun
Dept: Sociology
College: Human Development
Delegation: Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba
Topic: Safety As A Human Right
Committee: Human Rights Committee
My Expectations:
This conference is another way Covenant University is proving that it's indeed raising a new generation of leaders that will change the world. I really appreciate this opportunity and I hope by the grace of God, to come back to the University with the award of the best female participant of the NIGIMUS conference.
The topic I will be discussing is safety as a Human right, and by the grace of God, I would be going to proffer solutions on how best the world can move forward, by recognizing the fact that safety is a basic human right. I will also be proffering solutions on what measures can be taken by nations of the world to promote safety. Covenant University has prepared me for this programme and I am confident that we will be victorious.
Name: Sodipo Odunayo .S
Level: 400Level
Department: Economics and Dev. Studies
College: Business & Social Sciences
Delegation: Ambassador of United Kingdom on Security Council
Topic: Reducing Firearms Violence among Youth
My Expectations:
The Security Council Committee seems to elicit community support or participation of community initiatives in teaching the incidence of firearms violence being the Ambassador of the United Kingdom (one of the five veto powers or "Big Five") on the Security Council Committee, the highest Decision making body of the United Nations). A lot is expected in terms of Diplomacy.
I expect to be able to proffer community based solutions to the problems of firearms among the youths. I expect that other participating nations who also suffer from the scourge of firearm violence would learn a great deal from the British Experience.
My recommendations would basically seek to tackle drug and gun gangs who are mainly responsible for firearm violence.
Covenant University has contributed a great deal in preparing me for this awesome task. It's my prayer that God would cause us to bring glory to His name and honour to the University
Name: Nathaniel Oluwatoni
Level: 400
Department: Electrical and Electronics Engineering
College: Science & Technology
Delegation: Ambassador of Switzerland
Committee: UNDP United Nations Development Programme
Topic: Safety as a Sustainable Development
My Expectations
I expect to increase the awareness of youths as regards to road accident and safety preventions while offering counter measures that will bring about a feasible, probable and workable resolution to carnages on our roads.
As the second largest killer of youth ages 15-25, with about 1.2million deaths annually and 50million others resulting in disabilities, it should be really on the political agenda of every nation in the UN member country.
We would confidently and gallantly bring back the trophy through Christ that enables us and anoints us above our fellows.
CU has prepared us very well for the conference and we are fully prepared to maximize the opportunity.
Name: Okonji Chide V.
Level: 400
Department: Chemical Engineering
Delegation: Ambassador of Germany to the United Nations
Topic: Strengthening Emergency Service for Effective Post Injury management
My Expectations
The World Health Organization (WHO) under the platform of the United Nations is the committee that I will be privileged to channel my contributions and especially that of my country.
It is no doubt that the issue of Emergency in our country (Germany) has become my concern and the government with the help of other corporate bodies are working earnestly to beat down the rate of Emergencies to the barest minimum.
This Conference will expose us to recommendations, views and solutions of how best this problem/issue can be tackled. I believe the Germans are not only going to be beneficiaries but the other Nations under the UN.
I personally foresee this conference as a medium for us to discuss issues that are affecting us individually and collectively. And I know that at the end, we would be able to proffer impactful resolutions for the betterment of each nation. It is also in the best interest of everyone to see his or her nation in the forefront of all standardized development system.
Once again my expectation in this conference is to see every nation represented leave with a lasting solution that would be of great impact for their nation.