A set of nongovernmental organisations have organised a training in leadership and career development for secondary school students in Lagos.
The organisations, which are led by youths in various endeavour include; iMentor Education Foundation, Youth Aid and Chance Foundation.
The youths through their respective not-for profit organisation have come up with a renewed determination to raise visionary leaders that will help Nigeria achieve sustainable development.
They worked on their resolve to train and mentor young students for leadership and career opportunities, and organised a Youth and Leadership Career Summit for secondary school pupils.
Themed “Youth Innovation; a Panacea to Underdevelopment,” the summit was held at Iwerekun Community High School, Lakowe, Ibeju Lekki at Ajah area of Lagos State.
Prioritise academics
The keynote speaker at the summit, Prince (Dr) Ademuyiwa Oniwonlu advised the pupils to prioritise their academics and never put their hopes and aspirations on government.
He lamented that greed is one of the major problems that have adversely affected the leaders of this country.
Urging the pupils to develop the will to change, he said they should look inwards and invest positively in their time and maximize all the opportunities that could prepare them for the future.
He said, “Be determined to succeed, have plans to succeed. Understand the governance of your country and how it is being run. Understand the strength and weakness.”
“Nigeria can only be developed if you young ones can be determined to grow up and take up the mantle of leadership and change the country for better. Nigeria need a new developmental plan and you are the ones to actualise this dream,” he added.
The school Vice Principal, Mrs. Amzat Mojirola, commended the facilitators of the programme as she said the school will always be open for youth and innovation-oriented programmes subsequently.
She noted that the leadership programme demonstrated that there is still hope for Nigeria to become great.
Self discovery key to successful career
Also speaking at the summit, founder, Parliarment of Poets, Michael Babajide, said self discovery is key to successful career adding that every child has a been blessed with specific talents.
Convener, Foundation for Young Leaders, Akorede Taiwo also advised the pupils to prepare themselves for future through valuable trainings before they graduate from school.
Youths and the social media
President, Chance Foundation, Ibrahim Oladimeji noted that it was very imperative to make effective use of the internet and essentially the social media.
Urging the pupils to create creative and impactful contents, he warned them never to allow the social media jeopardize their academics and moral values.
Take healthcare seriously
Speaking on HIV/AIDS, representative, Nigeria Youth Aid Program, Lagos, Niniola Adesina urged the pupils to know their health status through regular and periodic checks.
Noting that a bad health could be detrimental to one’s choice of career and dream, he advised the pupils to read more and get education about the HIV/AIDS virus in order to be safe from contacting the disease.
i-Mentor Education Foundation is a Not For Profit organisation designed to equip students with requisite skills needed to become a self reliant adult, who will add value to the country and the world at large.
According to the convener of the foundation, Hassan Ahmed, i-Mentor seeks to leverage, train and link mentors to support secondary school students with academics and career exploration.
