A non-governmental organization, Youths Education Support Initiative (YESI) has been commended for investing in the educational development of young people and empowering them to stand up against social vices.

The Amadabo of Finima, Aseme Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown gave this commendation on Saturday, October 28, 2023 during the 2023 YESI Annual Inter-School Debate at Finima in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Aseme Alabo Brown, who delivered the keynote speech at the event, urged other organizations to emulate YESI, noting that “more non-government bodies like YESI are needed in the society”.

“I have seen the projects you put out. I’ve been there from three years ago, in the library, then it was not two rooms, it was only one room.”

“I see progression and expansion. We, as a House, and as an institution, we want to partner with you in this wonderful work. There are some things that we’ll put to be effective immediately.”

He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to the topic being debated on, stressing the importance of rehabilitation over imprisonment for drug addicts, and the necessity of help for victims of drug abuse, while also acknowledging the need for consequences for unlawful actions.

While declaring open the event, Chairman of YESI Board of Trustees, Mark Brown expressed his happiness for the milestones achieved by YESI over the years, pointing out that debates have an intrinsic transformative power and plays the role of fostering confidence, leadership skills, and awareness among students.

In an interview with Kristina Reports on the sidelines of the debate, Secretary of YESI, Ijeoma Omeoga, stated that the organization’s mission is to support the all-round education of students in the Bonny Island, which she said includes sponsoring students in universities and providing conducive reading environments and libraries.

“YESI was founded in 2019, that was when it was registered but actually, it started in 2017 with the mission to Bonny community secondary schools.”

“We reached out to the leadership of the student bodies to encourage them in their education, encourage them in their leadership skills. YESI is just about supporting the all-round education of the students.”

On her part, a member of YESI, Olufolakemi Oyedele said the organization was focused on positively impacting the lives of students in the area, adding that “when we started YESI, all what we desired and looked at is how we can make impact in the lives of students and the younger ones as they’re growing up”.

“We looked at the incidents and situations that surround our society and we’ve seen that a lot of young people, especially, around Finima are not really looking into their future. They’re just looking at the present time now, what they can find to gain.”

“We look at it and tend to share our own life experiences in order to impact them so that it can boost their desire, and motivate them to be able to aspire to become something greater in life.”

Lucille International School won the debate competition, followed by Government Girls Secondary School, Finima, and Ibitamuno Group of Schools, as first and second runners-up.

Students from the participating schools showcased their arguments before a perplexed audience, exploring different perspectives to the topic; Drug Addicts: Do They Need Help or Punishment?