On the 5th September 2009, Ibadan witnessed a transformational change as RISE, Nigeria’s Leading Youth Interaction Centre, took the town youths on a ride with the established and excelled of our time with Dare to be Different National Interactive Youth Forum under the theme “OUR TIME IS NOW”
The participants that arrived early were treated to short clips from the Lagos Session of the Interactive Youth Forum which entertained speakers like the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Lamido Sanusi, Hon. Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, Chairman, Silverbird Group, Mr. Ben Bruce, amongst others. As at 10am, all the seats in the hall had been taken and more space had to be created. The event started by 11am with an inspiring and thought provoking video on the four possible futures for Nigeria in the year 2025; NAIJA JUNCTION. The historical event came to a graceful end with the recitation of the National Pledge by all at exactly 5.45pm.
Under the skilled and experienced hands of the speakers; Mike Bamiloye, Founder of Mt. Zion Faith Ministries, Tara Fela-Durotoye, MD, House of Tara and Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, MD, Zapphire Events, amongst others. The speakers emphasized on the need to stand up to our responsibilities as young people instead of waiting for other people to help especially with the recent ASUU strike that’s rendered most of the undergraduates lazy and useless.
The first speaker Mrs. Tara Durotoye of House of Tara, after apologizing for coming late addressed the youths on the challenges faced while establishing House of Tara, a beauty shop. She spoke passionately about having a vision if you want to get to the top. She also encouraged the youths on the possibilities of being a successful entrepreneur.
Mr. Mike Bamiloye, also spoke on the need for youth engagement as full partners in shaping urban development and governance goals. He reemphasized the need to be actively engaged in commendable projects or initiatives as against being idle, knowing full well that 'an idle mind is the devil's workshop'.
Mrs. Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, the Managing Director Zapphire Events, talked about overcoming the numerous social obstacles to the success of young Nigerian women in business, which entails managing ideas with tenacity of purpose, breakthrough innovation and support. She pointed out that a vision should not be termed as a failure simply because it has not been publicly embraced or accepted.
There was an Interactive Session with the Speakers’ after their presentations, and the participants were able to ask questions on issues that needed clarifications.
Timi Olagunju, (A final year student at the University of Ibadan) and Segun Ogundipe aka laugh up, (A stand up comedian), who were the comperes for the event thrilled the audience with rib-cracking jokes and insightful tips. The 2008 Winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa, INYANYA, was also present alongside Malta Guinness Street Dance Winners for Ibadan region, FLAMES to take the audience on another level in entertainment.
Check out the pictures...
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