Omoluabi News

Education encompasses our school experience and the path towards becoming both a thriving student and a successful individual in the real world. As the new school year looms on the horizon, it’s essential to equip ourselves with some practical strategies to navigate this journey effectively. This article aims to shed light on various aspects of this endeavor, including achieving academic excellence, managing the ebb and flow of grades, striking a harmonious balance between social and personal life, and optimizing your daily routines as a student. Additionally, we’ll explore some invaluable study tips and tricks to help you make the most of your educational journey.

Students always strive to maintain their grades whether it be for personal accomplishments such as making the honor roll, getting into their college/university of choice or to impress their parents. Although these are valid reasons to get good grades, it can be extremely limiting for their personal development and growth. For example, a student might neglect important parts of their health both physically and mentally in order to accomplish their academic aspirations. Speaking from experience as a university student in one of the most difficult programs, studying can be an extremely stressful and time consuming process and it sometimes leaves little to no time for an appropriate balance between life and school. Students have no choice but to sacrifice personal time to achieve academic related goals such as pursuing a masters, getting a scholarship and other important objectives. This can unfortunately lead to burnout which can hinder students from achieving not only their personal but also academic goals. Students need to realize that it is important to prioritize their personal life and mental health to be a well rounded person overall.

For individuals who don’t inherently find formal education engaging, as the school year progresses, the days may feel repetitive, boring and, at their lowest point, downright disheartening. To make the school year “bearable” it is a good idea to join extracurricular activities and join some clubs. Joining extracurricular activities helps build more character and skill that you can inhabit and use successfully in the real world. Joining student council, book club, chess club, board games club, debate, dance, or even sports teams can help with  a multitude of skills such as: communication, responsibility, discipline, accountability, initiative, leadership, problem-solving, quick thinking, and teamwork. Traits that can take you very far in the real world.

Students are responsible for learning a large amount of content in a short amount of time which can be daunting for students who do not employ the appropriate studying techniques.

Here are some tips and tricks for staying focused when studying:

1. Plan your day; Make sure to have a set time in the day where you can review your notes. It is beneficial to make it a habit and have a schedule on how you study and review your notes
2. Remember to take a break; Take a short break in the middle of your studying hours, and simplify your study notes. Make sure you are taking the notes in your own words and understand the content.
3. Join a study group; Try to find a group to study with. Studying with a group helps encourage an interactive environment, test your knowledge with others, and provide an opportunity to quiz each other and boost each other’s confidence.
4. Take initiative; Don’t forget to ask your teachers questions, and remember you can always stay after class and ask your teacher if you are unsure of class content.
5. Work space; When studying, make sure to have a clear workspace free of distractions, whether that be family members, your phone, or food!

In conclusion, always keep in mind that school is a journey shaped by your own efforts and perspective. While it may come with its fair share of stress, it can also be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By prioritizing relaxation, striving for personal and social achievements, and embracing effective study techniques, the challenges of this phase in life can be significantly lessened. This survival guide is designed to empower anyone feeling nervous or anxious about the approaching school year, offering the tools and insights needed to be well-prepared, relaxed, and open to the countless opportunities that school can bring to one’s life. Embrace the journey ahead with confidence and enthusiasm, for it holds the potential to shape your future in remarkable ways.

BY NYANWIER, FUNMI, and NNEAMAKA.

On Sunday July 30th, the annual Vigor Awards International Unsung Heroes Award Ceremony took place at Riverfront Festival Plaza in Windsor, Ontario. 

This marks the 9th edition of the Vigor Awards, a milestone year for this esteemed event, now successfully hosted in Windsor. The primary purpose of this event is to recognize and pay tribute to individuals who contribute to the betterment of the community through their entrepreneurial ventures and dedicated volunteer work. The Vigor Awards accomplishes this noble mission by providing a platform for participants to share their personal narratives, express gratitude towards their sources of inspiration and ongoing community support, and offer words of empowerment to those who may harbor doubts about their potential impact.

The decision to host the event outdoors had an additional advantage of ensuring that the wider public could also bear witness to these narratives, subsequently inspiring and motivating them to extend their support, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse community organizations and resources available in Windsor. This encouragement serves not only as an emotional boost but also as a catalyst for tangible contributions, both on an emotional and practical level.

The event began with Queen Amina, one of the organizers of the event, sharing opening remarks and thanks to the full house of people who were able to attend the ceremony. The Canadian anthem was then sung by Christie Nelson, and recording artist, Flo.

Subsequently, the much-anticipated awards ceremony commenced. Dignitaries of utmost stature, namely the esteemed First Lady of Gambia, Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, and the distinguished Ambassador of Tanzania, Mahmoud T Kombo, graced the event with their presence, and were fittingly bestowed with the Humanitarian Award. This accolade stands as a tribute to their unwavering dedication and commitment to safeguarding individuals and attending to their needs, particularly during times of resource scarcity.  

Several seniors associated with the Nigerians Canadians for Cultural Educational and Economic Progress (NCCEEP) organization were also honored for their remarkable humanity. Notably, Mardrick Rogers and Scholastica Lyanga received recognition for their contributions to the community. In addition, Abiola Afolabi, the visionary behind NCCEEP, was celebrated for her outstanding leadership. This award acknowledges her as an exceptional leader who uses her influence for good. In her acceptance speech, Afolabi expressed gratitude for her team, her husband, and the collective effort that drives NCCEEP’s success. She shared her pride in contributing to Windsor’s Nigerian community and receiving this meaningful award.

The Vigor Awards highlight the importance of hard work in driving community change. Acknowledging that even those who wish to help the community can face discouragement, the event emphasizes the role of support in sustaining their efforts. An inspiring moment came during Mrs. Lyanga’s acceptance speech, where she recounted her grandmother’s unwavering dedication despite physical limitations, showcasing the value of persistence, discipline, and hard work on the path to progress.

Following the awards ceremony, a delightful dinner featuring a variety of delectable dishes was served, including jollof rice, chicken, beef patties, puff puff, egusi and pounded yam, plantains, and beverages from an open bar. This sumptuous feast, courtesy of a vendor from the Wida festival, exemplified the strong sense of community and camaraderie within Windsor. As the evening progressed, guests had the opportunity to capture more memories through photography and enjoy dancing to music, effectively encapsulating the event’s success in fostering community unity and creating an enjoyable atmosphere for all.

Written By; Nneamaka

The theme of this month’s issue is hard work, one of the traits that an Omoluabi, a child of character, encompasses. This trait played a crucial role in the planning and organizing of the Windsor African Diaspora Festival (WIDAFest), which was an 8-day event. The last day of the festival included the Vigor Gala which included the Unsung Heroes Awards. Multiple awards were presented, one of them being the Humanitarian Award. The recognition celebrated senior individuals who worked hard to uplift humanity and promote goodwill. Among the distinguished awardees of the Humanitarian Award were Scholastica Lyanga and Mardrick Rogers, both of whom will take center stage in this edition of ‘Ask the Elders’. Our conversations with them encompass their sentiments regarding the award, the sources that fuel their inspiration, and the valuable counsel they extend to the wider community.

Scholastica Lyanga is a community leader, advocate, and volunteer. She has been serving the community since her youth and is involved in multiple committees in the Windsor-Essex community. 

Q: What do you find most challenging in your humanitarian efforts?

A: What I find challenging is not being able to do more for the community due to the limitations and systematic issues. I am doing my best and would like to do more especially for the African Community. I hate seeing newcomers stay in hotels for a long time when they just get here. People do not have proper housing and it bothers me because you need a proper house to be a healthy person. I wish there were more resources so people can be accommodated so they do not have to suffer to have basic needs. I do my best, but we could all be doing better, especially the Government. 

Q: What are some of your inspirations? Can you tell us more about that?

A: I went through a difficult time as a young person. I did not have access to the things people have today and it made life hard for me. I was not able to work for 15 years, and it made things hard. Over 70% of the women I work with have started to love themselves. Seeing other women achieve that brings joy to me. I want people to be happy, that is why I help others. 

Q: What is a good way for new people to get involved in the community?

A: Do not be afraid. You can start by volunteering for small organizations. Work with organizations that improve your talents and skills so you can help more people. If you are religious, pray to God and ask for guidance. I am a very spiritual person, so I make God the center of all my activities. I work with GOD all the time.  

Moving forward, we introduce Mardrick Rogers, a dedicated individual actively engaged in various community committees and acknowledged by numerous entities, which have honored him with prestigious awards. He believes in investing in society to make a difference in the future.

Q: What do you find most challenging in your humanitarian efforts?

A: I am from Sierra Leone, and I was just there recently. It was a sad sight because they do not have schools, portable toilets, and other necessities required for a healthy society. I asked them what they wanted, and they said they would like a community center so I am currently building one for them where they can just gather and improve the sense of community.

Q: What are some of your inspirations? Can you tell us more about that?

A: I am here in Canada, I have seen all over the world and I have gone extra miles to do things for people, especially in Africa. I also noticed that we are not as united as Black people and that is what inspires me to do what I do.

Q: How would you advise people that want to be more involved in the community?

A: Don’t just complain, you have to get up and get involved. Speak up and say your opinions, encourage others to also get involved. I advise young people to be more involved because they are our future. Do not wait, be in the community. Ask questions and do not be afraid to confront people in authoritative situations. The woman that organized the WIDAFest event motivated me and lifted my heart to do more.    

Acknowledging and honoring individuals who demonstrate a genuine commitment to giving back to their community holds significant importance. Community members like Scholastica Lyanga and Mardrick Rogers serve as beacons of inspiration, setting forth admirable models that resonate across generations, inspiring everyone within the community to actively engage in fostering positive transformations.Their tireless work and contributions stand as a testament to the fact that positive change is attainable through persistent effort and shared determination.

Written By; Funmi Dawodu

An additional benefit of taking a vacation, besides relaxing and changing pace while it occurs, is being able to appreciate and enjoy your routines, home, and everyday life again.

The worst part, however, is returning home to an unpleasant host who slams you with unwanted demands as soon as you step through the door.

Making some planning and preparations before you depart for your vacation can ensure that your home will welcome you back with open arms, making your return as relaxing, predictable, and smooth as possible.

Make a Checklist for Cleaning 

A good idea before you start is to create a checklist you can take from room to room. You have to do a lot, so it’s easy to jump in and get lost in the process. Before you embark on an extended vacation, you don’t want to miss anything.

List all of the rooms you need to prepare and write them down. Start with the kitchen, the bathroom, and the main living area. You should however consider including your yard and garage, too, to be safe.

The Ultimate Cleaning Guide

• Run garbage disposal until clear 

Remove food by running the disposal for a few seconds. Once the drain is clear, turn it off and let the water run for a few minutes. To freshen and clean, sprinkle a little baking soda into the drain.

• Clean counters and kitchen surfaces

Remove any stains, crumbs, or residue you notice on the surface with the microfiber cloth. To prevent streaking, wipe down your countertops with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Polish them if necessary.

• Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors

Bleach is usually recommended for disinfecting hard surfaces, but you will usually want to avoid bleach and other harsh chemicals on your flooring. If you would like to disinfect vinyl and laminate flooring, you can mop them with one gallon of warm water mixed with one cup of white vinegar.

• Clean the refrigerator 

Also, check inside the refrigerator. Freeze, eat or toss whatever will spoil while you’re gone. Simple enough. No one wants to leave rotten, stinky food in the fridge.

• Take out all trash  

Cleaning also includes taking out the trash. You should, however, make sure you remove the garbage before you leave if you clean out your refrigerator. Otherwise, you could come home to all kinds of rancid smells and pests galore.

• Declutter your home

It seems household clutter is fairly harmless. When people surround themselves with too many things, they feel stressed and like their lives are out of control. It is a good thing to declutter your home and take care of the mess to take better care of yourself.

• Wash laundry 

It’s easy to forget the obvious things when frantically packing and cleaning the house. Let’s say you forgot to put the last load of laundry in the dryer.

Bedroom Checklist

When you prepare well before leaving, sleeping in your bed after a vacation can be one of the best experiences of your life. Use this checklist to ensure your bedroom is clean:

• Aerate blankets, pillows, and mattresses: Even though this isn’t a must-do, it will help you avoid a stale bedroom odor if you’re going out of town for a long time.
• Replace the bedsheets: Getting into a newly made bed after a long flight or drive is a pleasant experience, isn’t it?
• Open your closet doors: Wardrobe doors can close too tightly and develop a musty smell when left closed for an extended period.
• Arrange your clothing: Drop the dirty ones in the laundry basket if you don’t have time to wash them. Make sure your closet is full of clean clothes. Organizing your clothes before the holiday is tedious, but once you return with dirty clothes and tons of new t-shirts, you’ll be able to unpack everything easily.

Conclusion

It doesn’t have to be difficult to clean your house before you go on vacation. You can leave for vacation and come home to a sparkling clean house in no time if you make a list and follow it.

Remember to get rid of anything that welcomes pests and mold, such as standing water, debris, and food particles.

You can always hire us before your vacation or arrange for cleaning during your vacation if you find cleaning before your vacation tedious and exhausting. When you return, your home will be sparkling clean.

Written By

Senkat Nden

The fall season seems to be the period of recognizing the dead, but in medieval Europe; winter is the real period of fear and death. It had been a strongly held belief in those days that the Devil roams the land, talking with whomsoever he would, so people make sacrifices to entreat the spirit of death roaming the land; those were the days when the Vikings held sway in Northern Europe, an environment where only men of Lion of your dare to venture.

The real truth may be the fearsome power of nature and the fact that it was little understood at the time; the impact of the long, cold season where the nights are longer and people must stay indoors, in a period when technology was primitive and applied only by a few, when human cooperation was little and the government was a loose network, offering very little attachments to settlements as well as little availability of knowledge, that is sufficiently enough for people to protect themselves. Even today, natural phenomena beyond human comprehension will bring all men to their knees; without doubt tsunamis or floods beyond usual or any hitherto unknown natural phenomenon will be devastating and people will react typically – Call on God!

Despite the advancement of science and the availability of great technologies, the season of the dead is ingrained in the human psyche; it is even accepted somehow to be the truth that the dead actually do not disappear. It seems comforting that the living can have celebrations that bring back the dead to have communion with the living; this brings joy to the heart of living people that there is a possibility that the dead are aware of the living and they may have satisfaction with the thought that they are not forgotten.

The peoples of ancient civilizations prepare to meet the devils that harass them at winter time; the spiritualists of those times have determined that a sacrifice kept at the door will be seen as a treat to appease the spirit of death to avoid the threat of death, a festival that has metamorphosed to the Halloween with its costumes that ended in the night of treats and tricks. As Christianity gained ground in Europe, it sought to eliminate the pagan practices of the Vikings and other European tribes of then but it proved abortive and so Halloween remains, perhaps the most enduring practice of the ancient men of Northern Europe to date, it is surprising that a few others are beginning to come back, in the past few years, between six thousand to ten thousand people (6-10,000) attend the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, England.

October 31 is Halloween, which is essentially the day of the dead in Western societies but the Mexicans that have a mixed heritage of Spaniards, a southern European tribe also honor the dead between Oct 31 and November 2, it is essentially the same practice with a slight variation. For the Mexicans, foods are prepared and placed in places as if the dead will come to dinner; before that people will visit the graveyard, decorate it, and pray for or to the dead; somehow, people expect something because, at the end of it all, there is some satisfaction that the people of the past are honored.

Even the Church follows suit with All Saints Day which falls usually around the same period. It began as a day in the Church world to remember the martyrs, those that paid great prices for their faith since about the 4^th Century AD when it used to be around Easter period but it got moved to be inserted in the season of death. These thoughts may have influenced the secular powers to recognize those that laid down their lives to defend the society at wars sometimes around the same period because the Armed Forces Remembrance Day follows shortly.

Deep below the surface is the spiritual influences of societies that may pretend that they have no rooms for myths or spirits or the afterlife or any matter that can

not be proved by the laws of science but the force that binds societies together is shared values with roots in myths and stories that people find difficult to let go and anyone that can break those things from the society may also succeed in driving such a people to extinction. The ties that bind a people together are beyond bread and butter but a shared sense that they are of one another and even beyond the grave, they hold their thoughts to be true and expect it to be as they have always believed. For this major reason, the season of death may be rephrased as the season of reflection, because the tie that binds is perhaps further appreciated and reinforced.

Written By

Pst. Amos Dimeji