2021 End of year event (session 8) summary report

• Itsekiri NextGen Project: Report For 8th Session 
• Date: Saturday 11/12/2021 
• Number of volunteers present: seven (7)
• Number of Participants present: Ninety three (93)
• Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm 
• Venue: Former Caravan 4, Aji Pessu, Warri
• Main Topic: End of year party
• Resource Persons: Participants

Summary of the Session

The 8th session of the Itsekiri Nextgen project was held on the 11th of December 2021. This section was the end of year event for 2021. The aim of the session is to reflect on the progress of the Itsekiri NextGen project during its pilot phase in the last 8 weeks. 

The end of year event also provides an opportunity for all stakeholders; the parents of participants, Pessu Community Representatives, the initiators of the project and the participants themselves to assess and evaluate the progress made in the course of the pilot phase of the project. 

This session was designed for the participants to give presentations that highlights the role and responsibilities of society (Government, community etc), the family (including parents) and the individuals (victim) in tackling the menace of drug abuse amongst our youngsters in Warri Kingdom.

The title of the presentation was; “Drug abuse, who is to blame? The society, parents or the individuals that use them, falls within the remit of two (2) of the five (5) main pillars of the project; Social & Cultural values, and Leadership.

Session Delivery 

The end of year event began with an opening prayer by one of our volunteers; Emmanuel Fregene. This was quickly followed by a brief opening remark by another volunteer Emmanuel Egbe.

Feedback on Impact of project 

A selection of parents of some of the participants in attendance provided some feedback on the impact of this program on the lives of their wards since the program started.  The parents were clearly excited to be part of the end of year event, and most importantly for their wards to be part of this project. 

One of the parents spoke about how her children have become more courteous since they started participating in the program. She acknowledged the positive impact this project has brought to the lives of the children.

Feedback was also provided by some of the participants. They were glad that they have this project in their community. They were happy to have  learnt something new and interesting, and clearly different from what they have in their school curriculum.

Presentation of the day by the participants

The main event of the day is the presentation by trainees on the topic “Drug abuse, who to blame”?.. The society? The parents or the drug user? The participants were divided into three groups. Each group was represented by two leaders for the presentation. However, the group that spoke on family responsibilities believed so much in teamwork, and so they had more people presenting their points. Each member of the presenting team spoke one after the other. 

This was the first time the participants were able to showcase evidence of the impact of the project over the last 7 weeks before their parents and Pessu community representatives. 

Presentation on the vision and overview of the project.

Ulisanmi Pessu gave a presentation, reviewing the scope of work done over the last 7 weeks of the project.

Message from the steering committee followed which was keenly watched and listened to by all present. The message was focused on highlighting the vision of the project.

Presentation by the guest of the day.

The guest father of the day was Ven. Dr. Anthony Pessu (rtd). He spoke on the importance and beauty of legal work. He admonished all to be serious with the mission of the Itsekiri NextGen program because this is a rare opportunity with a potential to create more opportunities for participants and prepare them for good jobs in the future.

A brief dancing competition was held with Success Tuedongheye emerging as the winner. He did not hesitate to give a victory dance. It was fun indeed.

Refreshment was provided to all present. This was followed by a Photo session and more dance, dance, dance to end the program for the year.