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Vivacity Development Emphasizes Nigeria’s Role in the Future of Work at the United Nations General Assembly
As the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States approaches, global leaders and stakeholders prepare to engage in high-level discussions on policies and ideas that could impact the economic trajectories of their respective countries. Among the many international actors poised to contribute to these discussions is Vivacity Development, led by Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola. Vivacity Development will be organizing a significant side event at UNGA, focused on Nigeria’s critical role in the evolving future of work, as well as issues related to climate change, technology, youth empowerment, and agriculture.
Speaking ahead of the event, Oluwakemi highlighted the unique opportunity the UNGA provides for tackling global challenges, emphasizing that Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in conversations shaping the future of work. “UNGA is a global platform where critical discussions about the world’s most pressing issues take place, making it the perfect setting for a conversation about the future of work,” she said. “We were inspired to host this event because the evolving nature of work is central to sustainable development and improving lives globally, particularly in regions like Nigeria. With technology, youth engagement, and meaningful employment at the forefront, it’s crucial to address these topics during such an influential gathering.”
Vivacity Development’s initiative comes at a time when the global economy is undergoing profound changes. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated trends in remote work, automation, and digitalization, reshaping labor markets worldwide. In Nigeria, however, the transition has been more challenging due to infrastructure gaps, technology barriers, and limited education on data protection and digital skills. Oluwakemi stressed that addressing these issues head-on is vital for Nigeria’s future, not just in terms of catching up with global trends, but also in harnessing its enormous potential, particularly through its youthful population.
Oluwakemi noted that the upcoming side event will bring together global thought leaders who have successfully implemented future-of-work strategies in various countries. These experts will provide insights that can help tailor solutions to Nigeria’s unique economic and societal landscape. “By leveraging these experiences, we aim to develop a tailored plan for Nigeria that takes its unique challenges and opportunities into account,” she said. “Through this, we can ensure that Nigeria’s workforce is empowered to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.”
The event, which is the phase 1 of the program is designed to deliver long-term, sustainable outcomes for Nigeria’s workforce. It will center on sensitization and open dialogues to explore the challenges and opportunities surrounding the future of work, while secondly it will focus on upskilling individuals to better prepare them for the evolving workforce.And finally will culminate in tangible job creation efforts, ensuring that the discussions and training from earlier phases lead to real employment opportunities and sustainable economic growth.
With the positive outlook for the event, Oluwakemi seeks more collaboration with key Nigerian stakeholders, including government bodies and private sector leaders. She believes that Nigeria’s involvement in shaping the future of work is not just an option, but a necessity. “This is an event that both government and private individuals should be part of,” she said. “The pandemic has dramatically reshaped the way we work, and Nigerian workers are already facing significant challenges due to technology barriers and a lack of infrastructure. If we don’t act now, we risk falling even further behind.”
She reflected on a recent webinar organized by Vivacity Development, which brought together people from various sectors to deliberate on these pressing issues. While the webinar revealed valuable insights, Oluwakemi wants Nigerians from different works of life to be fully engaged in the conversation.She remains hopeful that future collaborations, such as the upcoming UNGA side event, will drive broader participation.
Vivacity Development is not working in isolation. Oluwakemi highlighted the organization’s collaborations with a diverse range of partners, including government agencies, NGOs, private enterprises, and international organizations. Each partner brings unique expertise, from focusing on the green economy and youth empowerment to offering insights into technology and workforce development aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, they aim to ensure that the side event at UNGA reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives, with a shared goal of creating actionable strategies for shaping the future of work in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Oluwakemi reiterated the need for collective action to address Nigeria’s workforce challenges. “We are at a pivotal moment where the decisions we make today about the future of work will determine our nation’s prosperity for decades to come,” she said. “Nigeria has the talent, the youth, and the drive, but we need to build the systems and strategies to support them in this new world of work. This is why our event at UNGA is so important.”
As the UNGA approaches, Vivacity Development’s side event promises to be a critical moment for Nigeria, offering a platform for the country to redefine its role in the global workforce and ensure its participation in the future of work
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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles
Joel Ajayi
At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.
Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.
What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.
Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.
In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.
Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.
“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”
She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”
The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.
Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”
For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”
Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”
Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.
Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.
Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.
With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.
Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.
“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.
He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.
“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”
Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.
“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”
He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”
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