Itsekiri NextGen Session 3 Summary Report

by admin · November 15, 2021

Second Session Summary

Date: Saturday 06/11/2021

Number of volunteers present: Six (6)

Number of Participants present: Sixty six (66)

Time: 09:00am – 1:00pm

Venue: Former Caravan 4, Aji Pessu, Warri

Main Topic: Leadership Skills

Resource Person: Uwala Tedeye

The third session of the Itsekiri NextGen project was held on the 6th of November 2021. The main purpose of this session was to introduce the concept of leadership to the young participants, highlight some of the leadership qualities in them, and help them to build up their self-confidence.

The participants were made to understand that they are prospective leaders and as such have to start seeing themselves as such and live as one in their local communities. This can be as simple as showcasing and spreading positive energy amongst their peers in moments of despair. Positivity; as simple as it seems, is also an important leadership attribute. The participants engaged in discussions focused on the importance of having a positive mindset as a leader in a local community. This is needed at all times and helps to inspire them to achieve their goals, even in the face of life challenges without a hitch. The participants were introduced to the need for a leader to possess active listening skills, patience, flexibility, creativity, coordination, empathy, reliability and more.

The second task focused on the participants identifying leaders in their communities and identifying reasons why they think that person is a leader. This discussion further emphasised the core skills required to be a leader as the participants began to understand the concept of leadership.

The third task for the day was dividing the participants into 3 groups and asking them to choose a leader within the group. The task also included them explaining why they chose the person as a leader. The result of this task is presented below.

Group A chose Moyowa Pessu because she is outspoken.
Group B chose Prince Besife Etuwewe because they think he is intelligent.
Group C chose Omatsone Ayiri because she is smart.

Each group was asked to name any leader they know and the position of authority and/or office that they hold. Any group that loses, loses a point to the other group that answers correctly.

As part of our mission to inspire the next generation of Itsekiri leaders, we showed pictures of past Itsekiri leaders and provided a brief overview of why they were considered leaders. Some of the past leaders we highlighted included Chief Nana Olomu, Chief Madam Florence Rewane, Chief Dore Numa and Chief Festus Okotie Eboh.

We then discussed a few current leaders in Warri Kingdom that have done and are currently doing Warri Kingdom proud with their works. They include Chief Yahya Pessu (who happens to be from our host community), Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor, Dr Omawumi Urhobo, Chief Mrs Patricia Otuedon, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Ete Harriman Ayida, Mr Henry Erikowa, Papa Ayo Oritsejafor and Chief Mene Brown.

We had our first Itsekiri class as well with the teaching of Itsekiri vowels which was delivered by Madam Grace Imewe. Madam Grace is an author and a teacher. It was a privilege having her volunteer at our session. It was a really fun way of educating the participants.