Pre-Adult Affairs Organisation::.To Build Potentials and Provide Qualitative Care for Women and Young People.

Pre-Adult Affairs Organisation 3-In-1 Mega Project To Be Sited In The Six (6) Geo-Political Zones Of The Federation In Nigeria, West Africa 2011

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A Born Servant of Nigerian Youth spends over 1.7 Billion Naira on Women and Youth Empowerment Pre-Adult Programme Support/Projects

There are stories that could sound so amazing. Who can ever imagine that a youth can single-handedly spend over 1.7 Billion Naira on Projects that are aimed at changing lives in a country like Nigeria? As a born servant of Nigerian youth, Chief Sandra C. Duru has willingly and passionately given her time, treasure and talent while embarking on massive projects that are aimed at causing positive changes in the lives of people, especially the young ones and women.

She is truly an angel in human form, a God-sent, a symbol of excellence, a rare gem and genius, and a superstar. For anybody, meeting with her is a great privilege. We can make bold to say that the youths of Africa in particular and the whole world in general have at least a confirmed youth to emulate. There are many people out there who just exist but are not living meaningfully.

It’s a good thing to know that there are still a few people who have discovered their true purpose in life, and are living it out. Does it not sound interesting that among these very few is one who is a mother, a leader, a renowned industrialist/business woman, and a care-giver to the core? Chief Sandra Duru, no doubt, has discovered that the responsibility to create a desirable future for Nigeria rests solely on the present generation of potential leaders – the Pre-Adults. Unfortunately, many potential-rich fellows (especially youths) have not opened their eyes enough. However, this is not the issue here. No one can, in actual fact, explore everything about the great Sandra Duru just in a day.

She has discovered that there is need for young people in Nigeria to make worthy contributions to National Development. This is the path she chose to follow by working so hard, the whole process that has cumulated in a registered, well-recognized, reputable Non-Governmental Organisation – Pre-Adult Affairs Organisation (PAAO), which she founded on 18th September, 1999. She really deserves a standing ovation and encouragement. Come to think of it, what is it that makes a single person, a young female who still has so much life in her, decide to spend huge amounts of money on massive life-changing projects without any external financial support? Any reader of this information would certainly want to read or hear more.

A journey of a thousand miles, they say, begins with a step. Chief Sandra Duru, as many people may not have known, was a less privileged individual. Now you are beginning to have an idea of the reason why she has embarked on massive projects with immeasurable passion in her. What started small has turned out so big and unimaginable. As a woman of vision and a custodian of divine inspirations, she made adequate plans and acted on them just to make sure that the less privileged ones are given a chance to live life to the fullest.

At the moment, PAAO is fulfilling its vision through the several operational and functional departments/units that have been carefully put in place. These departments have been in operation since 2002 after duly registered with Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C.) till date.

Some of them are outlined as follows:
Vocational Skills Acquisition (VOSA) department – This is where young people ranging from Secondary School leavers, School drop-outs, Graduates, Less privileged and Special widows are being trained on different vocational skills and trade acquisition for a certain period depending on the duration of the skill or trade.

There are ten (10) units under Vocational Skills Acquisition (VOSA) department:

Personal Finance/ Accounts Management unit (compulsory)
Automobile Engineering Unit
Carpentry/Joinery Unit
Fashion/Creative Designs Unit
Interpersonal Communication Skill/Public Relation (compulsory)
Agricultural/Livestock Production Unit *
Catering/Hotel Management Unit
Building/Construction (Masonry, Plumbing, Electrical, Painting, etc.) Unit *
Information/Communication Technology Unit (compulsory)
Structural Steelwork Unit
Cosmetology /Total Beauty Unit

At the moment, there are two units (asterisked) that not functioning fully, and three other units (as indicated above) that are compulsory because of their usefulness. The remaining six units are optional. It is important to note that each trainee is entitled to monthly allowances of #10,000. This can give an clear idea of how much has been spent since 2002. At the end of the training, the beneficiaries graduate and 60% of them are made to graduate directly into ROLWIN (Rotational Loan Without Interest) to be empowered.

Vocational Skills Acquisition (VOSA) department is managed by a Chief Coordinating Officer (CCO) and assisted by Unit Programmme Officers (UPO). Each Unit Programme Officer will in turn be assisted by two Youth Volunteers for effective coordination.

Rotational Loan Without Interest (ROLWIN) – This is a department for small-scale business development for Pre-Adults, Special Widows, and Orphans managed by the organization. Beneficiaries are expected to have successfully graduated from the VOSA Unit/Pre-Adult Programme Support Centers (PAPS-Centers). The loan is made available on a one-year minimum and two years maximum repayment terms without interest.

Each beneficiary is entitled to the sum of #100,000 to establish a business, and this money is repaid at the end of a specified period based on repayment terms. This has been on since 2002. This is really awesome and almost incredible, but it’s true.

Pre-Adult Programme Support Scholarship Scheme Department (PAPS Scheme)
This scheme is put together to give opportunity to “qualified” Pre-Adult to fulfill their dreams through provision of adequate educational funds. Such scholarship provisions managed by the organization are made available to young people who distinguished themselves in their academics, sports, and special talent both at secondary and university levels.

The scheme spreads across all the communities in Nigeria. Since the inception of this scheme in 2002, PAAO has been able to grant at least five scholarships in each year. The following are some those that have benefitted from this scheme:

Master Prince Ovia who was discovered at the AY Show Open Mic Competition held at the Federal Palace Hotel in October, 2010. He was awarded scholarship and accommodation through Secondary School Education while his university education will be determined by his performance and good behavior during his Secondary Education and result. He is resuming in September, 2011, and so many others who have benefitted in PAAO scholarship.

This department provides and promotes Family unity, marital sanctity and Family life in general. Every Pre-Adult represents a family unit such that any investment toward their welfare that fails to incorporate a Family Life Programme will render the efforts of the organization fruitless. This department also manages complex behavioral situations and facilitates the development of programs for children, youths and special widows with additional needs.
Family Integration Services (FIS) department also responds to problems and complaints from children, youths and special widows in our communities; support parents and guidance in their parenting role to the advantage of the children and the youth at large; and providing mentoring support to the children, youth and special widows.
Since the inception of this department in 2002, PAAO has been able to spend (and support) with at least #10,000 each for ten persons (dealing with different cases) every year. Family Integration Services (FIS) department has the following several units such as:

Apart from the various departments in which so much has been spend, PAAO has been and is still carrying out several other projects. Some of them include:

Donation of 3 million exercise books annually to students of different schools
Acquiring of apartments for PAAO office and support centres. The office locations have been changed about 3 times; from Omole to AIT road, then to Gowon Estate, and now at 19A, Community Road, Off Allen Avenue/Ogundana Street, Beside Galaxy Television, Hilton Bus-Stop, Ikeja, Lagos
Payment of staff salaries and allowances/logistics
Maintenance and day-to-day running of the offices, clients and staff welfares.

The audited staff welfares report for 2002 to 2010 shows the financial implication of all that have been stated above.
As though all these are not enough, PAAO is currently sourcing for 20 Billion Naira to embark on a massive project of international standard at the permanent site, which is situated in Badagry West Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The permanent site of PAAO is over 20 acres of land.

DONATIONS : The People of Ezumoha experience a growth in technology as PAAO displays unspeakable charity
Based on its objectives and strong desire to create positive changes and improving the level of as many lives as possible, PAAO made a donation of two fully operational HP-branded computer systems at Ezumoha, Isiala Mbano, Imo State:

A CPU and a Monitor to Rev. Canon Dickson Ogidi of Emmanuel Anglican Church, Ezumoha.
HP Pentium Dual Core CPU, a monitor and HP Coloured Printer to Emmanuel Anglican Church, Ezumoha.

The systems worth one hundred and twenty-five thousand naira each, which amounts to two hundred and fifty thousand naira for the two systems. This donation was made in line with PAAO’s commitment to supporting their efforts and towards improving the state of affairs in the City of Ezumoha.

Onigbongbo Education Trust Fund Smiles Again
PAAO donates two fully operational HP-branded computer systems to Onigbongbo Local Government Area of Lagos State. This was aimed at helping to facilitate the work of the local government’s Education Trust Fund. In addition to this donation, PAAO has also promised to grant scholarship to the best found in Onigbongbo LCDA. The HP branded systems worth over two hundred thousand naira. (Click

to view images)

Badagry Takes Technological leap
PAAO makes another massive donation. In its commitment to ensuring that positive changes in the lives of people, PAAO has made a donation of useful items to a newly commissioned School – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Model Primary School, Apa of Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. The items include: Two (2) complete Computer Systems, which include Monitors, CPU, UPS, Printer as well as stabilizer, extension wires and exercise books worth over two hundred and fifty thousand naira.

Life looks good and smooth for some prisoners
PAAO purchased of a brand new bus for Kirikiri female prison. This donation was made with the aim of ensuring regularity and providing convenience in the movement of prisoners to and from the courts for trials and the likes. The prisoners (beneficiaries) can smile again since they will not wait too long when they are due for trial in court for justice. Food items, medications, freezers, sanitary pads/toiletries etc were also donated to the Kirikiri female prisons by the passionate, caring lady of our time, Chief Sandra C. Duru on behalf of PAAO. (Click

to view photos)

Little Saint Orphanage was not forgotten in Chief Sandra Duru’s donations to humanity. Several food items and other necessary items were donated to the orphanage.

PAAO donates a refrigerator to the Program Officer of PAAO, Mr. Kenneth Ilenre, for his meritorious efforts and work in the organization.
In her efforts to encourage and motivate her staff, the Executive Director of PAAO recently presented a refrigerator to one of her staff members, Mr. Kenneth Ilenre, the Program Officer. He was discovered to be really meritorious and hardworking. The presentation was made just after about a month on his resumption as the Program Officer in PAAO. The presentation was, however, made together with some consultants of PAAO and a co-staff. (Click

to view Photos)

AWARDS: Nigeria Youth Brand Model Award
In commemoration of Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration, Re-branding Nigeria Youth Initiative has bestowed the “Nigeria Youth Brand Model Award” (in social entrepreneurship) on Chief Sandra Duru, the Executive Director of Pre-Adult Affairs Organisation (PAAO). This event was preceded by 1st Anniversary Lecture with the Topic: MORAL AND ETHICAL VALUES: THE PATHWAY TO NIGERIA GREATNESS, which was delivered by Professor Issucoe Darede Sam, and the event was chaired by Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien. The entire event was held at Civil Service Auditorium, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on 30th September, 2010. (Click

to view photo)

The Great Sandra Duru bags another award
Recently, Chief Sandra Duru was been awarded as “Outstanding Female Entrepreneur of the Year” on the occasion of the 5th Ikeja City Award 2010. She was given the award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to development of her community and its environs. The event, which was held at 10 Degrees Venue (opposite Unilever), Ikeja on November 30th, 2010 had the several distinguished personalities in attendance, such as: The Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Government (the Chief Host), the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Bar. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) (Special Guest of Honour) and Honourable Commissioner for Health, Mr. Jide Idris (Guest Speaker). The THEME of the event was: PROLONGING LIVES BY MAINTAINING HEALTHY LIVING. (Click

to view photos)

A World-Class Chief
Recently, the Executive Director of PAAO, Chief Sandra Duru, was endowed with the Award of YEYE ASHA OF BADAGRY (The Mother of Culture/Tradition) by De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyin 1, OFR, LLD., JP, D.Litt, The Akran of Badagry Kingdom (Gbagi), Permanent Vice-Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs; Chancellor, University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. This award was presented to the Executive Director of PAAO for her immense contribution and selfless service to Badagry, and the event took place during the Ifa Cultural Festival in Badagry, Lagos State on Valentine’s Day 14th February, 2011, to show how much Chief Sandra C. Duru is loved, accepted and appreciated by the people of Badagry, Lagos State.

Recognition at the Continental Level
For her assistance and participation in Badagry Festival 2010, Chief Sandra Duru was given a Merit Award by the African Renaissance Foundation (ARERO) in conjunction with Gbagi-Asheri-Hulenu Central Youth Forum and Hengo Badagry in August, 2010. (Click

to view photo).

Divine Recognition in God’s Kingdom
Having considered her timeless and ever-pressing desire to be a part of the work of building the Kingdom, Chief Sandra Duru was presented the “Kingdom Builder Partnership Award” by the World Evangelical Time Ministries, Incorporated (on Rural Crusade for Christ). Indeed, the World Evangelical Time Ministries have come to realize that she cannot only work for the Lord but can work with Him as a partner in their “Jesus is Coming Soon Crusade.” The award was also presented to Chief Sandra Duru to appreciate her for the 18-seater bus, which she donated to the ministry for Evangelism/Crusade. (Click

to view photo).

CHIEFTAINCIES: Yeye Meto of Kweme Kingdom
The impressive and regular selfless service to mankind, this time around to people of Kweme Kingdom, has attracted a great honour. Chief Sandra Duru, a special gift of God to the world, has again been conferred with a Honourary Chieftaincy Title of YEYE METO OF KWEME KINGDOM by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sejiro Olalekan Ogungbe James, Justice of Peace, Okiki Arolagbade II, Aholu Henwa of Kweme Kingdom. This conferment took place during the celebration of Oba’s 3rd Year Coronation Anniversary as the Aholu Henwa of Kweme Kingdom.

Some Other Chieftaincies
It is also interesting to know that Chief Sandra Duru is also the YEYE BOBAGBIMO OF IDIMU LAND, which simply means “King’s Adviser” of Idimu Land, Lagos State, the AGUNWANYIN ADA EJI EJEMBA OF NDIGBO and so many other numerous 1st class chieftaincy titiles.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT
Recently, there was a meeting of the stakeholders of PAAO at the organisation’s office. It had in attendance the Executive Director of PAAO, Executive members, some ICT professionals, technical partners, consultants, etc. The following are some of the results of the meeting:

PAAO is now in social network – facebook, twitter, etc.
VOSA now has more partners who have volunteered to train people in the various units.
The organisation’s website wears a new look.
New committees set up to facilitate work in the organization.
Intensive approach has taken on the 3-in-1 project site (20 acres) in Badagry to commence work.

MORE NEWS

Sandra Duru set for the 55th Session of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) – UN Headquarters, New York USA

The Executive Director of Pre-Adult Affairs Organisation (PAAO) will be attending the 55th Session of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) under the United Nations women umbrella. This great event is scheduled to hold in New York at the United Nations Headquarters from the 22nd February to 4th March, 2011 under the theme:

“ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN EDUCATION – SCIENCE, TRAINING, TECHNOLOGY AND GIVING EQUAL ACCESS TO WOMEN IN DECENT EMPLOYMENT AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES. The Executive

Director of PAAO will be representing PAAO and the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) of Nigeria.

The Executive Director of PAAO will also be away for several other meetings with proposed sponsor and UN agencies who are interested in PAAO’s proposed permanent site of 20 acres (each acre is worth N3m) situated at Badagry West Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. With this land, PAAO intends to achieve a mega status project.

She will also be visiting technical partners in Europe, Asia and America. She hopes to be away for about 60 days with some of her Executive members, technical partners, etc.

She will also be in South Africa and India where she will be engaging herself in business-oriented activities under Sanchhy Nigeria Limited, one of PAAO’s sponsors. She intends to use this opportunity to make serious business plans that would yield to the production of items to empower youths back in Nigeria by providing job opportunities and making the market have something new and unique in it.

She would really be missed by everyone, especially her staff members. But one thing is clear and certain – she will go and achieve far more than she expects and come back home with good news because the Lord is with her. To our loving Executive Director and Nigeria Icon, we say BYE!

Vision

Words of Wisdom

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