Wednesday August 21st, 2013
So, I attended an amazing event this past Saturday. The 4th Annual Lead Nigerian Leadership Summit.
First a little about Lead Nigeria
"Lead Nigeria seeks to provide comprehensive leadership programs that challenge the understanding of basic issues involving youths and young people as well as their leadership competencies with much training and emphasis on real life scenarios and world cases. They believe that cross-sector partnership is a vital key to creating positive change, hence why projects and programs involve young people in the critical thinking process, engaging them to think creatively about new models, new technologies that provide practical solutions to societal issues through the development of specific and measurable commitments to action, thereby opening a unique opportunity to channel the capacities of individuals and organization to realize real change."
The object of the annual leadership summit, this year being the 4th one was "designed to bring together Nigerian Professionals, Academicians and Entrepreneurs from all across the Diaspora, especially youths and young people to discuss about Nigeria’s present leadership issues, and familiarize participants with the leadership styles and strategies needed in the partnership required to deliver results that will trickle down to Nigerians at home and how diaspora Nigerians can add their own quota at this moment, partnering with Nigerians at home and the government for the economic growth of the country."
On to, Saturday August 17th, 2013; The event started a little late but certain structural elements and panelists were still making their way into the event. I took that time to take some pictures.
 |
| (Venue:Awesome View from the 18th floor Skytop Ballroom at Hotel Pennsylvania) |
After a brief welcome, the first panel was on youth empowerment and sustaining the youth in the diaspora and in Nigeria. The awesome panelist included:
Ernesto Malave Jr- Administrative Coordinator for the Model New York State Senate Session Project
Ozioma Egwuonwu- Founder of BurnBright Lifeworks Inc.
Bobby Digi- Serial Entrepreneur
Moderator: Omoruyi Aigbe
Questions posed to each panelist from the moderator included
1.How can youth empowerment be defined?
Answers included youth empowerment can be defined as ones confidence, self-reliance, and having the will to empower others from their own personal empowerment; Youth empowerment strips the fear you have within yourself; having ownership and knowledge, meaning being free from modern day slavery which includes ones culture and media, stop and frisk, and laws that have been since out-lawed; it helps you recognize family life is important; and finally it strips having a victim mentality.
2. Who is a youth?
Answers included youth are people that work towards their generation; people ages 13-30.
3. How to identify and cultivate your identity?
Answers included to develop your identity, is to strengthenyour inner and outer core; being transparent, consistent by being a doer; being the best you can be; connecting your story to others; and staying focused.
The quote that tied this panel together was from Ernesto Malave, he stated "Everyone needs a therapist" This struck a cord with me and is definitely true. For youth to be empowered they have to be able to talk about the fears and struggles they may be facing to someone. Often times our families and friends can only do so much. The perfect therapist to keep in mind is Jesus Christ; Whom you can talk to, that won't judge you but love and give you sound advice.
After this first panel a "Barrister" a lawyer that works in the Nigerian Government came up to speak. He explained how the Nigerian Constitution was written and broken up. He explained how Nigeria is broken up into 36 states and 736 local governments. There are 3 legal systems within the Constitution which includes Sharia law, commercial law, and customary law (which is what we Africans in the Diaspora fall under) . His opinion was, there is nothing wrong with the structure of the federal constitution but feels having so many local governments reduced the funding to each. He feels eliminating local governance and just having state governance would strengthen the entire country.He also feels stronger leaders are needed to implement the already well written constitution.
 |
| (World's Most Expensive DJ: DJ Universe & Ijeoma Mbamalu Publicist-Managing Director of Mon Utopie Ideal-The PR Company) |
 |
| (Me and the World's Most Expensive DJ: DJ Universe) |
The Second Panel followed right after. It highlighted policy making in Nigeria and the power of Social Media. Panelists included:
Fiyinfoluwa Elegbede- Columnist for AfricanLiberty.org
Aroa Ameny- Founder & Executive Director of the (AAJW) Association of African Journalists & Writers
Kunle Ayodeji- Co-creator and co-host of Radio-Show& Blog Culture Shock: Nigerians in America
Reginald Bassey- Senior Legislative Aide and Chief of Staff in the House of Representatives at the National Assembly, Abuja
DJ Universe- Creator of AfroPop & Luxury Music
Divine Muragijimana- Moderator
What I particularly learned in this panel was social media is a really important tool in connecting the youth in the diaspora and the youth in Nigeria. We can really make changes through social media on how even the government rules on certain cases. I know for the upcoming 2015 Election there is a planed sit in by all Nigerian youth in Afolabi, Lagos Square on October 1st. (still working on confirming this location, please check back with me for up to date information. My email is janet.songonuga@gmail.com)
The event overall was phenomenal. I got to ask questions about my cultural differences as a Nigerian that was raised here in America,how Nigerian's cultural and corruptible depictions can suppress us up and coming leaders, to make us want to deter from being in leadership and more. I really got an understanding of what Nigeria needs through this meeting. It needs more leaders. Although businesses are needed to help the economy, which by the way it was quoted at this event "this is the best time to invest and or open up a business in Nigeria", leaders are needed to help the country as a whole function. Again that's the whole reason the organization Lead Nigeria exists.
 |
| (With CEO,Founder of Lead Nigera Teddy Ifeanyi) |
I look forward to next year.
From your Sister in Christ with a Servants Heart,
Janet Adeola Songonuga
*Please "Like", comment, and share this post if this spoke to you. Subscribe to the right for more.*
No comments:
Post a Comment
All comments will be approved before posting. Thank you so much for stopping by. May we run this Christian Race till the end. God Bless you!