Lagos, Nigeria – January 16, 2025 – The Grace Arena Charity Initiative (GACI) held its annual Education Support Grant Award ceremony at the Mountain of Grace venue, providing financial assistance to 20 students across various categories to alleviate the financial burdens on their families.
The event featured keynote addresses focusing on health and parenting. Pharmacist Chika Ossai delivered a presentation titled “Wellness for Success: The Role of Health in Academic Achievement,” emphasizing the importance of regular health monitoring for students to enhance their academic performance. He said the link between wellness and academic achievement cannot be overstated. By prioritizing health in its various forms—physical, mental, emotional, and social—students are better equipped to excel academically and navigate life’s challenges. A holistic approach to education that integrates wellness as a core component not only enhances academic outcomes but also fosters personal growth, resilience, and success beyond the classroom. Institutions, educators, parents, and students must work together to ensure that health and wellness remain central to the pursuit of academic excellence.
Below are the keypoints of his address:
- Wellness is foundational for cognitive, emotional, and social development.
- Health impacts memory, attention, focus, and problem-solving skills.
- Nutrition: Healthy diets improve brain function and energy levels, enhancing learning.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise improves mood, memory, and focus.
- Sleep: Adequate sleep supports memory retention and decision-making, while lack of sleep impairs performance.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress hinders cognitive abilities and academic motivation.
- Emotional Regulation: Stability in emotions enhances resilience and engagement in studies.
- Access to Mental Health Resources: Counseling and support systems help students overcome mental health challenges.
- Healthy Relationships: Positive interactions foster a supportive learning environment and increase motivation.
- Community Involvement: Participation in extracurricular activities and social groups builds skills and confidence.
- Health Education: Teaching students about wellness, nutrition, and stress management.
- Resource Accessibility: Providing healthcare services, mental health counseling, and fitness programs.
- Holistic Learning Environments: Incorporating wellness days, mindfulness, and balanced schedules.
- Wellness not only boosts academic success but also fosters personal growth, resilience, and life skills.
- A healthy foundation contributes to professional success and overall life satisfaction.
- Collaboration among institutions, educators, parents, and students is essential to prioritize health in education.
Mrs. Rhoda Fuja spoke on “Building a Strong Mind and a Compassionate Heart,” highlighting the significance of nurturing both mental resilience and empathy in children as listed below:
- Resilience: Developing mental strength helps overcome challenges and setbacks.
- Critical Thinking: A strong mind enhances decision-making, problem-solving, and adaptability.
- Focus and Discipline: Cultivating mental clarity and self-discipline improves productivity and goal achievement.
- Continuous Learning: A strong mind thrives on curiosity and lifelong learning.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others fosters meaningful relationships.
- Kindness: Acts of compassion enhance personal well-being and contribute to a positive community.
- Emotional Intelligence: Balancing emotional awareness with compassion builds stronger interpersonal connections.
- Altruism: Helping others without expecting rewards promotes a sense of purpose.
- Balance: A strong mind ensures rationality, while a compassionate heart brings humanity to decisions.
- Holistic Growth: Combining intellectual strength with emotional depth leads to well-rounded personal development.
- Leadership: Leaders with both mental resilience and compassion inspire trust and loyalty.
- Mindfulness: Practices like meditation and deep breathing improve focus and reduce stress.
- Personal Growth: Reading, learning new skills, and setting goals strengthen mental abilities.
- Overcoming Challenges: Embracing failures as learning opportunities builds resilience.
- Gratitude: Practicing gratitude fosters a positive outlook and a generous spirit.
- Active Listening: Truly listening to others deepens understanding and strengthens relationships.
- Acts of Service: Volunteering and helping others cultivate empathy and kindness.
- Personal Fulfillment: A balance of mind and heart leads to inner peace and happiness.
- Positive Impact: Individuals with both qualities contribute meaningfully to society and inspire others.
- Conflict Resolution: The ability to think critically and approach situations with empathy aids in resolving conflicts constructively.
- Invest time in self-reflection to nurture both intellectual and emotional capacities.
- Strive for balance by developing resilience while fostering empathy and compassion.
Prophet Taiwo Adeyemi, founder of GACI, discussed the organization’s philanthropic efforts over its eight-year history. He underscored the critical need for additional sponsors and vision partners to expand the reach of the annual program, enabling more students to benefit from educational support. Adeyemi stated:
“Our mission is to empower the next generation through education. To achieve this, we call upon generous individuals and organizations to join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of these students.”
The Grace Arena Charity Initiative continues to play a pivotal role in supporting education within the community, striving to create opportunities for academic success and personal development among the youth.
