4th Annual Lead Nigerian Leadership Summit 2013

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.

To read more: http://leadnigeria.org/index.php/2012-03-11-22-53-46/blog/17-first-blog-post

Lets Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 

From your Sister in Christ with a Servants Heart,

Janet Adeola Songonuga

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WOMEN IN THE AFRICAN SOCIETY & WOMAN IN AMERICA

Another Government & Public Service Post..YAY

   Wednesday August 7th, 2013

I pray whom ever is reading this is having a blessed day today! 

This will be a two part blog:

I made a personal goal to not only read the entire bible this summer but to also go to more political centered events I would be interested in. I have been wanting to blog about a phenomenal program I attended by US-Africa Synergy a little whiles ago, June 25th,2013 to be exact. The event was entitled Women in the African Society- Challenges & Perspectives. So I will endeavor to tell you all about the happenings of this program and the great people and one person I met that's really helping me grow in faith which was held at the Nigerian Mission in New York City.

In addition I will center this blog about women and their role in the world, specifically as a Christian woman by discussing the 3 part PBS Documentary entitled the Makers (which you can click and watch before you read my responses about it)

Let's get into this, Part 1:

On June 25th, 2013, US-Africa Synergy, a non-profit which seeks to engage the African Diaspora in the sustainable transforming of Africa and empowering African youths, held a program in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the African Union. All guest speakers and invitees including me sought to examine our roles as daughters, sisters, wives and mothers and look back on the changes brought by the historical Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa adopted in July 2004. This Declaration was the African Leadership’s attempt to promote gender equality and to empower women in Africa. However a decade later, data shows very little has been made to improve the social and professional stature of women in African and the African Diaspora. That evening we all sought to  examine the reasons of a halt on change for women in Africa through factors such as gender role, culture and education. 

So basically I personally wanted to go to meet one particular speaker at the event Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede. God is so faithful because I actually met her on the train station in NJ, waiting for the train to NY and here she comes gracefully walking up. We ended up chatting the whole way there and now she is one of the best Mentors/friends I have ever had in my life. I'll express her contributions to the event in question further on. 

So the event's structure first included a panel of four speakers, who spoke about their suggested changes for woman in Africa through gender roles, culture, and education. The speakers were:

(Dr. Bola Omotosho-  Medical Doctor & 16th District City Council Candidate)

(Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, Former UN Deputy Ambassador of Kenya)

(Ms. Mpule kwelagobe- Miss Universe 1999)

(Mrs. Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede, CEO & Founder Yetunde Global Consulting, LLC)

Comments that resonated with me on seeing women improve in Africa and beyond is :

• For women to know their strength.
• For marriage to be an option when they are ready but not forced. 
• For domestic violence to addressed in countries in Africa that have yet to clearly discuss it in the political arena. 
• Women are strong holders of a community and home. If the women lack, the entire community and her home lacks.
• Yetunde especially mentioned each and every woman has a talent, must realize their talent, and start putting their talent to work!

After this first panel, there was another panel discussion with students. This was great because it opened up questions about the modern woman. How woman in this generation want to be taken seriously but dress scandalously, get drunk on weekends, and rudely talk among their own circles and outside. All this need to stop and we must do better. Comments were made about faith including the Christian faith whom say woman are weaker vessels. Yes the bible does state that in 1st Timothy but when it's used in the right context it explains woman are delicate beings, to be handled with care. God, did make woman in his image so woman are very strong as well! The event empowered us young woman to take control of our destiny and know we are strongly needed to make an impact in our world. 

Yetunde has a really great blog that encourages all, woman and men to put their best forward here: Putting your best forward . She also started a really great organization to help woman enter womanhood and realize their destiny, check it out here : Young Woman Guide 

Part 2:

In continuing to know about the happenings and improvements we need to make as women, I would like to share with you all an awesome Documentary PBS did. PBS created a 3 part series entitled Makers. It basically goes through woman's role in America from the 1960's where women went to college but were expected to remain homemakers up until the roles women play in present day. 

I will like to share my reaction after watching all 3: 

Part 3 in particular clearly shows my generation, that being a power woman holding a great career and being a great mom can be difficult. As a Christian woman it reaffirms that God is calling me to still be a great mother and a help meet to my husband, but as were great woman in the bible who made great change like Deborah and Easter, God will provide me with the education and income to also support my family during the times in my lifetime I am needed. But also in the 3rd part they explain the push for fathers to brake the role of not playing a bigger part in raising children within the home as per spending time. This is seen very highly in African homes, I am not excluded, anyway it's another reason why I love my faith because men are expected to do as much as the wife is to do in the relationship. 

Women I would love to hear your comments after you've watched Makers and about the first part of the blog. Let's start a dialogue and conversation here.

(At my Monday Night Youth Bible study:Occupy Earth)

BONUS: Amos Johnson an amazing man that encourages Kingdom Business to grow and prevail. He just did an amazing podcast on the question: Should the wife be the provider for the family?The  You can watch it here: Wives, it is not your responsibility to provide for the family 

Lets Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 

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.*