Reuniting with loved ones, trying the best awara in Gombe, and experiencing the vibrant local culture at the Loi Bai market -an Interview with Stephen Sunday La'abes

Hi, guys! Happy Christmas; trust you're having a great time celebrating the festivities with friends and family!

On this joyous Christmas day as we gather around the warmth of shared traditions and festive cheer, let us take a moment to reflect on the spirit of giving, unity, and the magic that encapsulates the season.

Today, I have the pleasure of bringing you an interview with my childhood friend, Stephen Sunday La'abes, a dynamic advocate and visionary committed to positive social change.

Stephen's passion for creating positive social change was fueled by his family's tradition of giving back to the community. He reflects, "I was influenced by my father and uncles, notably Dr. Emmanuel La'abes and Amb. Japhet Philip; they instilled in me a sense of selflessness." Witnessing these acts of kindness left an indelible mark on Stephen's dedication to advocating for those without a voice. He also emphasizes the role of a compassionate mother, saying, "Her commitment to serving and assisting the marginalized and vulnerable members of society inspired me to dedicate myself to advocating for those without a voice and working towards the betterment of our community."

Visionary Network's first project: Distribution of writing materials to kids in primary and secondary schools across Billiri.

As a Global Goals advocate, Stephen highlights SDG 4 -Quality Education- as a deeply resonant goal. He passionately expresses, "Having personally witnessed the transformative power of education, I am deeply passionate about providing equitable and quality education for children in rural communities. I firmly believe that education is the cornerstone of personal and societal development."

Addressing urgent issues facing communities, Stephen emphasizes the gambling pandemic, proposing a multi-faceted approach, including prevention through education, support for affected individuals, regulatory advocacy, community engagement, and personal responsibility. "Every positive action, no matter how small, contributes to creating a better world," he stresses.

School-to-school campaign: The Lawrence Foundation advocacy against drugs and alcoholism

The fight against drugs and alcoholism is another front where Steph shines. He advocates for a comprehensive strategy involving prevention and education, access to quality treatment, addressing root causes, and creating supportive environments within communities, what he describes as "a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, treatment, and addressing underlying social issues" and  "the most effective mechanisms in addressing drug and alcohol abuse within communities."

School-to-school campaign: The Lawrence Foundation advocacy against drugs and alcoholism

As the convener of Visionary Network, Stephen empowers the younger generation to combat illiteracy through accessible and inclusive educational programs. Collaborating with local schools, organizing literacy drives, and promoting the importance of education, Visionary Network inspires and empowers the next generation. "We work to provide educational resources and mentorship programs that target underserved communities, ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to learn and thrive."

The Lawrence Foundation: Awareness rally against drugs and alcoholism

Stephen also draws on his experience as a former participant in the Africa Check Fact Ambassadorship Program to advocate for prioritizing critical thinking, verifying information before sharing, and actively seeking reputable sources to combat the spread of misinformation. "Promoting media literacy and encouraging individuals to question and critically evaluate information are key in combating misinformation; one can never be too careful."

The Lawrence Foundation: Community awareness campaign at Lakwiba, Billiri LGA

Shifting gears, Stephen takes us to Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State for the Christmas celebration (after all, isn't today Christmas?!) Steph describes a typical Christmas celebration where communities come together for special services and widespread food sharing. Families prepare delicious meals, and children actively participate by sharing gifts of food -rituals that create a heartwarming atmosphere of generosity and togetherness. He reflects, "The spirit of togetherness and reconnecting with those close to my heart is what makes Christmas truly special for me."

Reflecting on childhood memories in northeastern Nigeria, he shares nostalgia for the homogeneous lifestyle and communal spirit. Despite diverse backgrounds, a strong sense of unity during festive occasions stands out. "It is truly heartwarming to see how people look out for each other and come together regardless of their differences." The relatively cheap cost of living and the delicious traditional dishes, like Masa, danwake, and awara, add to the nostalgia of growing up in northeastern Nigeria.

In closing, Stephen shares his favourite Christmas tradition—reuniting with loved ones, trying the best awara in Gombe, and experiencing the vibrant local culture at the Loi Bai market. "The prospect of reuniting with loved ones and trying the best awara in Gombe during this festive season is what I look forward to the most."