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AFRIGROWTH FOUNDATION COMPLETES THE FIRST BATCH OF ITS YOUTH MENTORING PROGRAMME IN GRAND STYLE Arresting juvenile delinquency and restiveness has been one of the greatest challenges of contemporary times. Mentoring has been discovered as one of the tools that can adequately check this evil deed. To this end, AfriGrowth Foundation has embarked upon the formal revival of this indispensable concept in building the capacity of youths for the future and technically empowering them to be self-sufficient. The foundation launched the “AfriGrowth Foundation Youth Mentoring Programme” on the 8th of April 2006 in Abuja. This event has formally placed a framework to encourage mentoring in Nigeria. The formal launch was held at the conference hall of the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Frank Nweke (Jnr.), Radio House, Abuja. Other distinguished attendees included: Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili (Hon. Minister of Solid Minerals) Mrs. Amina Ibrahim (SSA to the President on MDGs) Mr. Jimmy Atte (NTA News) Amb. Joe Keshi (National Co-ord. NNVS) Mrs. Ronke Azeez (Country Director VSO) amongst many others. When the premier Youth Mentoring Programme was launched in April by AfriGrowth Foundation, only a few saw the prospects embedded in such initiative. The successful completion of the mentoring programme on the 19th June 2006 was outstanding in totality. The event comprised a whole day series of activities starting with a Leadership and Entrepreneurial Skills Development Training at the AfriGrowth Foundation office in Abuja and culminating in a formal round off ceremony hosted by the Executive Director (News) of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr. Jimmy Atte, at NTA Area 11, Abuja. Though the EDN was absent due to reasons beyond his control, the unannounced presence of the Director General of the NTA, Mr. Tonnie Iredia – a lover of youths – made the event completely overwhelming. The Programme - targeted at fresh graduates and youth corps members in Nigeria amongst other things sought to:
In all probability, destinies of youths found the right bearing and meaningful expression after this Programme. Other outputs included the following and many more;
With outstanding Civil Service icons as mentors, the likes of Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, Amb. Joe Keshi, Mr. Frank Nweke (Jnr.), Amb. Adeyombo Oyesola and Mrs. Amina Ibrahim; a scintillating experience would surely be an understatement. How elated could anyone be, being mentored by leaders such as Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Hon. Abike, Dabiri, and Hon Dimeji Bankole? Business moguls like Mr. Tony Elumelu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Mr. Kyari Bukar, Dr. Victor Alaofin, and Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere were all part of the mentoring programme. Prof. Peter Okebukola ably led the pack of ‘educative’ mentors while Dr. Reuben Abati and Mr. Soni Irabor co-piloted mentorship on behalf of the media. Mentees couldn’t hide their ecstasy and elation, as they say: “I have learnt that the solution is not always within my family, but could be out there with other adults who have distinguished themselves but most especially those who care. For if you did not care for us Youths in Nigeria, Mrs. Keshi, you will not have this program and put in so much time, effort and money to make this program happen. “I always thought civil servants were laid back, unexciting and in some cases unintelligent; but my mentor made me see differently. He showed me how hardworking and committed they are and introduced the many sides of a problem which determines decision taken on national issues. I now understand that government and the act of governing is very complex”. “I have learnt that every youth has something to deliver regardless of his / her place, space, pace or grace. I also learnt from Prof. Pat Utomi that it’s only hard work and consistency that pays. I love to be an ‘intellectual prostitute’ like him” “I have learnt to believe in myself, work towards my goals and with hard work and determination, I would get there by the grace of God” The success story of the AfriGrowth Youth Mentoring Programme - the premier edition -that spanned 18th April to 15th June in Abuja and Lagos simultaneously attests to the necessity for its continuity and support. The Programme was constantly fed with unparalleled dedication and classic determination by the AfriGrowth team led by Mrs. Dayo Keshi (Founder / President). With a total of nineteen mentors and mentees (Abuja and Lagos), mentees and mentors made facial contacts, by email, phone calls or text messages, within the six-week duration of the Programme. The climax was the absorption of 3 mentees into the establishments of their mentors while others still have bright chances of being considered. This attests to the fact that mentoring also addresses unemployment! Worthy of note is the fact that collaboration between AfriGrowth Foundation and Idia Renaissance (under the auspices of the first lady of Edo State, Her Excellency Mrs. Eki Igbinedion) launched the youth mentoring programme in Edo State on 13 July 2006. AfriGrowth Foundation has opened a great door of opportunity for the youths of this generation and is calling on individuals, organizations and institutions to support this laudable programme in ensuring its continuity. We must not forget that a nation without vibrant youths empowered to face and overcome contemporary global challenges has no practical future…John ’Jide Fatoki By: John ’Jide Fatoki Senior Programme Officer Back to Top |
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