PAAF TEENS Magazine | Issue 01 | Jan-Feb 2025

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PAAF TEENS

MAGAZINE

JAN-FEB 2025 | ISSUE 01

Featured Article

Editor-in-Chief

Francisca O. Okwulehie

TechColumn

Betty Nnamdi Ibemgbo

PersonalDevelopmentColumn

Joy Godwyns

MagazineDesign

Francisca Okwulehie (Moncoeur Global Concept)

Message from the Foun

Dear PAAF Teens,

Welcome to another exciting year with PAAF TEENS Magazine! Our goal is to inspire, educate, and empower you with stories, insights, and advice that help you navigate teenage life with confidence Each edition is crafted with you in mind, covering friendships, self-growth, education, and real-life challenges, so you always feel heard and supported. We encourage you to dream big, stay curious, and never stop believing in yourself.

Enjoy!

Folashade Alli

PAAF NEWS Report

Kayode Oladele

Editor’s Note

Dear PAAF Teens,

Welcome to a brand-new year! �� We’re kicking off 2025 with fresh energy, exciting content, and even more opportunities for YOU to be part of PAAF TEENS Magazine!

This year, we’re going bi-monthly, giving you more chances to submit your ideas, stories, and creative pieces. In this January-February edition, we’re diving into topics that matter, how to build stronger friendships, ace your studies like a boss, and spot the sneaky lies boys might tell.

We hope you enjoy every page and take away valuable insights (and maybe a few laughs too!).

Until our next issue, stay awesome, make good choices, and keep shining! Cheers!

African History

"He who learns, teaches."

- Ethiopian Proverb

Visionary Leader

Kwame Nkrumah was a visionary leader who played a crucial role in Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule in 1957, making it the first African nation to achieve self-governance. As Ghana’s first Prime Minister and later its first President, he championed pan-Africanism, advocating for the political and economic unity of African nations. Nkrumah spearheaded massive infrastructure projects, expanded education, and promoted industrialization to modernize Ghana. He was instrumental in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, aiming to strengthen African solidarity. However, his leadership faced challenges, including economic struggles and political opposition, leading to his overthrow in a 1966 coup. Despite this, his legacy as a pioneer of African liberation and unity remains influential across the continent.

QuotestoKickstart YourYear

When You Need Motivation

Hello PAAF Teens,

New year, new energy! Whether you're setting big goals or just trying to vibe better this year, the right words can give you that extra push. Here are some powerful quotes to keep you inspired, focused, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

For Self Confidence

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” —

Eleanor Roosevelt

This means that you are the only one who can make you feel confident You alone have the power, so give it to you.

“The

way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” Walt Disney

This means that you must make the move to do something about your dreams instead of thinking and just sleeping on it

When You Need to Let Go

You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

C.S. Lewis

Mistakes happen. Learn, move forward, and rewrite your story.

BuildingMeaningful Friendshipsin2025

Dear PAAF Teens,

Friendships are more than just likes and DMs, they are about real connections, trust, and having people who truly support you. In 2025, making and keeping good friends means being intentional. Here’s how to build solid friendships this year:

Be The Friend You Want

Want loyal, kind, and fun friends? Be that person first! Good friendships start with you bringing positive energy and respect into the mix.

Quality over Quantity

It’s not about having a huge friend group. It’s about having real ones who genuinely care. A few solid friends are greater than 100 fake ones.

Choose People Who Uplift You

Surround yourself with friends who bring out the best in you. If someone drains your energy or makes you feel less than you are, it’s okay to walk away.

Stay Connected (Beyond Social Media)

Texting and snapping are cool, but nothing beats real conversations Call, hang out, and check in. Be present with them at important events like their birthdays or when they are sick

Be Patient/Communicate and Set Healthy Boundaries

Misunderstandings happen, but real friends talk things out. Also, set boundaries with friends, know that true friends will respect them. Friendships take time to grow. Be open to meeting new people, whether in school, online communities, or clubs. Your next best friend could be where you least expect!

Photo

BacktoSchoolLikea Boss:StudyHacks(1)

Dear PAAF Bookworms,

School is back, and it’s time to level up! Whether you want better grades, less stress, or more free time, these study hacks will help you stay ahead like a boss.

Use the 25/5 Rule

Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break It keeps your brain fresh and prevents burnout. Bonus tip: Use a timer to stay on track!

Teach It to Someone Else

If you can explain a topic to a friend (or even your stuffed animal), you really understand it! Teaching is the best way to retain information

Colour Code Your Notes

Highlight key points in different colors blue for facts, yellow for important

BacktoSchoolLikea Boss:StudyHacks(2)

Make Flashcards and Quizzes

Apps like Quizlet make studying fun and interactive. Repetition is key to remembering tough subjects!

Study Before Bed

Stay Hydrated and Takecare of Yourself

A sharp mind needs water, sleep, and g ne a

Your brain processes info while you sleep, so reviewing notes before bed can boost memory. Just don’t pull allnighters!

Turn Notes into Songs or Rhymes

Ever noticed how you never forget song lyrics? Turn hard topics into a rap or rhyme it works!

Lies Boys Tell (1)

Valentine Edition

Dear PAAF Girlies,

Valentine’s Day is closer than you know. This period is the time of sweet nothings, empty promises and shiny gifts.

Boys may sometimes tell lies or use manipulative tactics to take advantage of young girls. To guard you from falling prey to lies and deceit, we share some tips some naughty boys may tell this season.

Here are common lies and advice on how to handle them:

Lie 1

IF YOU LOVE ME YOU WILL DO THIS

Reality: Love is about respect, trust, and mutual understanding. If someone uses love to pressure you, it’s manipulation, not love. Never let anyone make you prove your feelings in ways that make you uncomfortable. True love will never require you to compromise your values.

Lie 2

EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING IT.

Reality: This is a peer-pressure tactic Just because someone says “everyone is doing it” doesn’t make it true or right. You have the right to make your own decisions, no matter what others are doing. You must stand for what is right and it’s okay if you are the only who is not doing what everyone else does. It means you are unique.

Lies Boys Tell (2)

Valentine Edition

Lie 3

“YOU ARE MATURE FOR THIS”

Reality: While this might sound flattering, it’s often used to manipulate young girls into thinking they’re ready for things they’re not. Real maturity means standing firm in your boundaries and knowing your worth.

Lie 4

“NO ONE WILL KNOW”

Reality: Secrecy is often a red flag. If someone encourages you to hide things, it’s a sign they know their actions are wrong. Trustworthy people have nothing to hide.

Lie 5

“YOU OWE ME THIS”

Reality: Reality: You don’t owe anyone anything, especially not when it comes to your body or personal boundaries. Healthy relationships are based on respect and consent, not guilt or pressure.

Lie 6

“I WILL LEAVE YOU IF YOU DON’T”

Reality: Reality: Ultimatums are a form of control, not love. Someone who truly cares about you won’t use threats to get their way.

Lies Boys Tell (3)

Lie 7

“YOU WILL REGRET IT IF YOU DON’T”

Reality: Decisions about your life and body are yours alone to make. Don’t let someone scare you into making choices you’re not comfortable with. If anyone threatens you report to your guardians or parents.

Lie 8

“I HAVE NEVER FELT THIS WAY ABOUT ANYONE BEFORE”

Reality: While this may be true in some cases, it’s often used to rush trust or intimacy. Real feelings develop over time and don’t require rushing into anything.

ADVICE FOR YOUNG GIRLS

1) Trust Your Gut: If something feels wrong or makes you uncomfortable, listen to your instincts. They’re often right.

2) Know Your Worth: Your value doesn’t come from what someone else thinks of you. It comes from how you see yourself and the respect you demand.

3) Set Clear Boundaries: Decide ahead of time what you’re comfortable with and stick to it. People who truly care about you will respect your boundaries.

Lies Boys Tell (4)

Valentine Edition

Don’tletanyonerushyouinto decisions.Respectyourselfenoughto moveatyourownpace.

ADVICE FOR YOUNG GIRLS

4) Talk to Someone You Trust: Whether it’s a parent, sibling, teacher, or mentor, having someone to confide in can help you navigate tricky situations.

5) Take Your Time: Don’t let anyone rush you into decisions. Respect yourself enough to move at your own pace.

6) Recognize Manipulation: Understand that lies and pressure tactics are forms of manipulation. Healthy relationships are built on honesty, respect, and mutual care, not deceit or control.

Final Thought

You are in control of your life and your decisions. Anyone who genuinely respects you will honor your choices without pressuring or manipulating you. Stay true to yourself, and remember that you have the power to say “no” and walk away from situations that don’t feel right. You deserve to be treated with kindness, honesty, and respect.

Folashade Alli is a dedicated NGO leader with expertise in education, project management, and community development. She is passionate about driving social impact through Prince Adeyinka Alli Foundation.

POETRY

Francisca Ogechi Okwulehie is a Nigerian writer, poet, and novelist from Imo State with a background in Philosophy from the University of Lagos. Her works include the novella Tari's Golden Fleece, A Preacher's Secret, and contributions to anthologies like The Different Shades of a Feminine Mind and 84 Bottles of Wine for Wole Soyinka Poetry Anthology

FRANCISCA OKWULEHIE

The world may whisper, doubt may call, Stand up straight, you are strong, not small. Your voice, your dreams, the things you do, All matter more than you ever knew.

Some days feel heavy as skies turn gray, But storms don’t last, they will fade away. You are still the sun, you’ll always shine, A force, a fire, a spark divine.

Now walk with pride, no need to hide, Stay true to you, stand tall inside. No one else will take your place, You are enough, now own your space.

You are Enough

testamentto lasting about addressing immediate needs but also about laying the foundation for a sustainable future. She is a beacon of hope, inspiring others to see the potential in every communityandthepowerofservice.

Prince Adeyinka Alli Foundation (PAAF) discovered Blessing Osasenaga Agbonavbare's commendable efforts in community development during the course of her project planning in Itapa-Ekiti. Impressed by her dedicationtoimprovingthelivesofyoungpeoplethrough skill acquisition and her innovative projects, including the borehole initiative and entrepreneurial training, PAAF has expressed its full commitment to supporting her skills acquisitionproject.

PAAF commends Blessing's unwavering passion for communityempowerment,hereffortstopromoteselfreliance, and her strategic approach to creating sustainable development in rural areas. By providing financial and technical support, PAAF aims to bolster Blessing’smission,ensuringthattheyouthinItapa-Ekiti continue to benefit from practical skills that will help them become economically independent and capable of contributing to the overall development of their community.

Riddles

DID YOU KNOW?

1.

What is always in front of you but can’t be seen?

2. What can you keep after giving to someone?

3. What can’t talk but will reply when spoken to?

Egypt is classified as the oldest country in the world, dating back to 3100 BCE. Ancient Egyptians used crushed eggshells, myrrh, and pumice as early toothpaste and made breath mints from herbs and frankincense.

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