• Itsekiri NextGen Project: Session 29 Report
• Topic: Digital Storytelling
• Date: September 2, 2023
• Volunteers Present: 6
• Total Number of Attendees: 62
• Timings: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Venue: Former Caravan 4, Aja-Pessu (Pessu Town), Warri
• Main Topic/Activity: Digital Storytelling
• Resource Person: Debi Amadedon

Summary of Digital Storytelling Session:

The 29th session of the Itsekiri NextGen Project, held on September 2, 2023, focused on the art of digital storytelling. A total of 62 attendees, including 6 dedicated volunteers, gathered at the former Caravan 4 in Aja-Pessu, Warri, for this engaging session.

Session Delivery:

The participants and volunteers were eagerly looking forward to this session following a two-week break. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and joy as everyone reunited.

The session commenced with a heartfelt opening prayer led by Pst Jolomi Tedeye, followed by Happy Omomehin’s rendition of the Itsekiri anthem, which was joyously sung along by all in attendance.

The coordinator expressed gratitude to everyone for their dedication in returning after the break and assured them of more impactful sessions ahead. The session’s focus on digital storytelling was introduced, along with the facilitator for the day, Debi Amadedon.

Debi Amadedon then addressed the participants, explaining the session’s objectives. The participants were informed that they would be presented with four different stories, with each story assigned to a specific team. They were encouraged to pay close attention to all stories but focus particularly on the one assigned to their team.

The story assignments were as follows:

• Team Olu Ikenwoli was tasked with the story of “Chloe the Clumsy Cheetah.”
• Team Olu Ginuwa II was responsible for the story titled “It Came in a Mail.”
• Team Olu Atuwatse was assigned the story “Poe Won’t Go.”
• Team Olu Erejuwa was given the story “Kindness is My Superpower.”

Following the presentation of these stories, two participants from each team took the stage to introduce themselves, their team, and the story they would be narrating. Impressively, they all remembered the authors of each story, even though the authors’ names were only revealed at the beginning.

The facilitator engaged the presenters and other participants with questions related to the stories, and they all demonstrated their focus and attentiveness by providing accurate responses.

In addition to the team-specific stories, two extra stories titled “The Fairy Tale Story” and “Oliver Twist” were presented to the entire group. Random participants were invited to review these stories, and chocolates were distributed as tokens of appreciation to those who participated in the digital storytelling activity.

During the session, several participants were recognized and celebrated for their remarkable achievements:

• Tosan Okandeji received an award for excellence in Mathematics.
• Success Tuedongheye was acknowledged for outstanding results in his Junior WAEC.
• Timeyin Kpiasi showed remarkable courage by approaching Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR and bowing before him with utmost respect during the 2nd coronation anniversary, a gesture he had learned during one of the Socio-Cultural sessions. This act earned him a generous reward in pounds sterling from the King.
• Okpe was commended for being the youngest chorister in the Iwere Royal Choir, showcasing the remarkable talents of Itsekiri youngsters.

The session concluded with a sense of pride in the accomplishments of the youth, as they continue to strive for greater heights.

Volunteers:

• Debi Amadedon
• Emmanuel Egbe
• Jolomi Tedeye
• Emmanuel Fregene
• Omatsola Okpeayaghan
• Eworitsemogha Wyse

Key Activities During the Session:

In addition to the digital storytelling activity, participants were asked to write down areas where they would appreciate support from Itsekiri Nextgen, both for themselves and their families.