Not knowing the history of your country or family is to lose memory – Obasanjo

Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, says it is unfortunate that history is no longer taught in schools, warning that people can lose their memory and even what they ate the previous night when they do not know the history of their country, family or locality.

Speaking as the special guest of honour at the launch of educational toys designed to teach Nigerian and by extension African history, the former president decried the poor level of awareness of the nation’s history and cultural heritage amongst Nigerians.

While expressing disappointment that many children do not know enough about their states of origin let alone the country, he called on Nigerians to imbibe cultural values and norms so as to promote the nation’s heritage.

Obasanjo said, “I have understood that history is no longer thought in school, which is unfortunate. Not knowing the history of your country, family or locality is to lose memory and if you lose your memory, you won’t remember even what you ate last night. You can see that it is a disaster.”

He then stressed that Nigerians must “go back to make our children know what matters about our country and ourselves so they can be inspired for tomorrow.”

SOURCE: DailypostNG

Inspiring Story Of Rosmary Amponsah, A Welding Student Who Is Following Her Passion Against What People Say

In many African societies, there are some certain occupations that a woman is not expected to venture into. When they do, they are often faced with all sorts of stigma and discrimination, but thankfully many women are overcoming these barriers!

Unicef Ghana shared this inspiring story of Rosmary Amponsah, a welding student who is following her passion against what people say. Read below:

My mother said I should become a policewoman, a nurse or a doctor.

She said those are the jobs that people respect. When I left high school, there was very little to do. I worked at a filling station selling petrol but had very little fulfillment. I always asked myself, what if this company collapses or the owner decides to sack me?

My father brought me here to learn welding. My mother hated the idea and always compares me with my sister who went into nursing training. But my dad supports me. Everybody says it’s a man’s job. In my class, there are fifteen boys and I was the first girl to join them.

I walk a very long distance to get to school and each time, I get someone who passes a negative comment. Like the last time, one man saw me and said if I continue with this job I can’t get married and it would be difficult to give birth.

I think they are trying to pull me down but I’m not interested.

Rosmary Amponsah, Welding & Fabrication student, Bechem (BA/R).