Participation of our Master's Student in an International Conference
July 5th our student, Idowu Bashiru Olalekan, participated in the First Annual Multidisciplinary International Conference at the University of Nigeria Nsukka on the theme: a Whole New World: Research, Development and Innovation in the Pandemic Era. It was the First Annual Multidisciplinary Conference of the University.
The University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charles ArizechukwuIgwe declared the conference open on July 5th, 2021. The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Multidisciplinary International Conference on the theme: A Whole New World: Research, Development and Innovation in the Pandemic Era. It was a 3 days event and particularly significant because it is the first in a series of annual conferences that have been planned to address issues of global concern. According to the Committee Chairman of the Conference Professor Chidi Nzeadibe, the primary aim of the conference is to disseminate the results of some of the research, innovations and developments taking place in UNN and elsewhere to national, regional and global audiences and to inform policy for management of COVID-19. It is also expected that the conference will provide an avenue to identify areas where there is a gap in knowledge and the priorities for further research on ways and means of fighting the present and future pandemics in Nigeria.
The University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charles ArizechukwuIgwe, FAS warmly welcomed the Chairman of the Ministerial Expert Advisory Committee on COVID-19 (MEACOC), Professor OyewaleTomori, FAS, who graciously accepted to present the keynote paper of this conference to our University. As a globally acknowledged expert in the fields of Virology and Infectious Diseases, the conference brings together researchers, policymakers, development partners, NGOs and research funders both in Nigeria and outside the country to explore research, development and innovations in various spheres related to COVID-19.
I presented on July 6th, 2021, PANEL 2 Under the Panel Chairmanship of Professor Uzoma Okoye and Dr Arinze E. Omeje as the Rapporteur at 4:30pm Under the the Sub-Theme " OLDER ADULTS, POOR AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE". The title of the paper presented was "Interest and participation in political activities as support mechanisms by older adults in South-East Nigeria". The topic is so Germaine at this period because Nigeria is undergoing a tremendous increase in the number of older adults resulting from improvement in both sanitary and health domains. Usually, old age is associated with withdrawal from certain societal and participatory activities that provide support to older adults, hence, the experience of an inadequate support system is inevitable. Inadequate support leads to physical and emotional breakdown and other associated perils. The paper sought to ascertain the interest and participation of older adults in political activities as support mechanisms in Nigeria's southeast region. In-depth interviews were used to collect data from older adults The thematic method of analysis was adopted to analyse the generated data. Findings show that some of the malpractices experienced in political activities in Nigeria deter older adults from participating despite indicating their interest as well as perceiving political activities as an important support mechanism. Thus, to achieve the 2030 global agenda and African Union commitment to “leave no one behind”, the study recommends the need for modification in the political behaviours of Nigerians especially the youths. Through policies, stringent sanctioning, public enlightenment from social workers and non-governmental organizations, a drive for change in political behaviours will be achieved. Social workers should also desensitise the negative feelings of the older adults towards political activities.
After the presentation, I was asked a question about the influence of Covid 19 on Older Adults and its Influence on Political participation as a support mechanism, topic. I got interested in the programme because of my desire to be equipped with advanced demographic analysis skills for my area of specialization on Ageing and Mental Health. It also caters to those who teach demographic techniques at universities who wish to reinforce their skills and gain knowledge in advanced techniques regarding demographic projection and social policy towards ageing in Nigeria. I am satisfied with the Conference and the organization of the programme, as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, ensured the comfort of all participants despite poor internet connectivity and rate of participants while at the same time afforded us the opportunity to explore the beautiful history of the University and Nuskka in general. It was a privilege being a part of the First Annual Multidisciplinary Conference of the University. The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Multidisciplinary International Conference on the theme: A Whole New World:Research, Development and Innovation in the Pandemic Era, and I advise Researchers in the field of demography and population studies to take advantage of subsequent trainings.
Idowu Bashiru Olalekan
