Nigerian Youth Empowered By Mentors

As part of efforts towards addressing prevailing unemployment challenges currently facing Nigerian youth, the Self-reliance department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently organized a career workshop titled: ‘Identify with a Mentor’.

Speaking during the workshop, Elder Adeyinka Ojediran, a leader in the church, explained that the event is part of the church’s program designed to help young people in their career planning. Over 100 Nigerian youth were in attendance.

Mentors include Dr. Adekunle Hassan of the Eye Foundation Hospital, Mr. Ifeanyi Ajaebili, Manager, Grand Oaks Limited, Mrs. Omowale Ogunrinde of Foundation for Skills Development, Mr. Ekpeyong Duke- CG EKO LLP, as well as Engr. Wale Ikotun, founder of Automation & Engineering Academy.

Addressing the participants, Mrs. Ogunrinde, whose outfit engages in vocational, technical and entrepreneurship training emphasized the importance of vocational training especially in the very competitive atmosphere we have today where white collar jobs are increasingly unavailable. She also spoke on humility and sacrifices during the training, a point that was confirmed by 3 of her mentees whom she called upon to share their experiences.

Engineer Ikotun on his part, shared the very touching story of his humble beginnings and how against all odds, he eventually became an accomplished engineer who is now  in a position to give back to the society after years of pain, sacrifices and sheer determination.

Mr. Ekpeyong Duke, the Chief Executive Officer of CG Eko LLP, recounted how his mother, who was widowed at age 30 and single-handedly raised 4 kids taught them at a very early stage to be hard working and enterprising, never relying on charity to survive. Today, he is using his position to train and mentor young ones who are ready to work and be self-reliant.

Dr. Hassan of the Eye Foundation Hospital spoke about overcoming learning challenges by studying to convince his parents not to withdraw him from school. He has been able to distinguish himself in his chosen field and now gives back by mentoring upcoming young ones, some of whom were present to share their grass-to-grace stories at the event.

At the end of the workshop, majority of the participants, many of whom came from outside Lagos, could not commend the organizers enough. Many of them immediately proceeded to register for some vocational training. 

‘I will go for what is available, instead of staying idle procrastinating,waiting for a white collar job that is nowhere to be found.’ remarked Funmilayo Ibuoye, a participant.