2024 Session 41 Report: Charting Your Course

Itsekiri NextGen Project: 2024 Session 41 – Charting Your Course: A Career Path Summit

Guiding the Next Generation: Exploring Career Options

• Date: November 8th, 2024
• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: Former Caravan 4, Aja-Pessu (Pessu Town), Warri
• Attendees: 72 participants, 5 volunteers
• Activity: Career Path Summit
• Speakers: Alex Orighoye Ojoeguari and Lily-white Esigbone

Session Summary:

Recognizing the importance of early career exploration, this summit provided participants with guidance and encouragement to pursue their strengths and interests.

Session Details:

Following a review of the previous session, the coordinator introduced the guest speakers.

Alex Orighoye Ojoeguari, a product designer, fashion designer, and architect, shared his insights with the participants. He emphasized the importance of identifying career aspirations early and working towards them. He recounted his own experience of designing and selling shoes during his National Youth Service, highlighting the potential for early success.

He encouraged participants to gain practical experience in their chosen fields, even before completing secondary or university education. He suggested apprenticeships with local professionals as a valuable way to acquire fundamental skills and gain a competitive edge. He was pleased to learn that some participants were already pursuing skills development in areas like electrical work, mechanics, upholstery, and tailoring.

Alex engaged with the participants, asking them about their career interests. He then answered their questions, including a detailed response to Tosan Ehuogahranmakelesan’s inquiry about the core subjects required for nursing, emphasizing the importance of biology, along with chemistry, mathematics, English, and physics.

He encouraged both male and female participants to engage with STEM subjects, highlighting the increasing importance of technology in all professions. He commended the coordinator and volunteers for their efforts in exposing the young participants to technology.

Lily-white Esigbone, a 21st-century artist who integrates technology into his work, then took the stage. He shared his experiences in painting, printing, and other artistic endeavors. He encouraged the participants to be resilient and goal-oriented in their pursuit of their dreams. At the end of the session, he generously gifted each participant a copy of his book, “The Famous Secret.”

Volunteers:

• Debi Amadedon
• Emmanuel Egbe
• Jolomi Tedeye
• Omatsola Okpeayeaghan
• Ani Ogharandukun

Key Activities:

• Career presentations by guest speakers
• Q&A sessions with speakers
• Book giveaway

Session Success:

The summit was successfully executed, with no reported issues.