The Nation Newspaper

Tag: inspire

  • Mr P, others inspire Sujimoto interns

    Luxury real estate company, Sujimoto Constructions, last Wednesday, hosted over 200 Nigerian students and young entrepreneurs at a One-Day Internship and Mentorship programme.

    The star-studded event which took place at The GiulianoBySujimoto, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos was graced by prominent Nigerian celebrities including Chief Dele Momodu, Bovi, McLively, Mr.P of the defunct P Square, Chinedu Ikedieze, Debola Williams, Chima Anyaso, TJ Saro, Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, Seyi Tinubu, Yemi Adefarakan and Dabota Lawson who shared their success stories as the Master of Ceremony, Nedu of Wazobia cracked the ribs of the audience.

    Addressing the interns, the MD/CEO of Sujimoto Constructions, Sijibomi Ogundele said that the initiative is a part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility to empower young entrepreneurs with business skills, advisory, mentorship and build them for the future.

    “This programme is set-up to inspire our young talents and also to send a message to the nation that our true assets are our human capital,” he said.

    Ogundele was born on April 8, 1983. Having been featured as a brave young Entrepreneur in Forbes Africa, Ogundele, who is regarded as one of Nigeria’s youngest billionaires, grew up in Agege, Lagos. He also shared his grass-to-grace story pointing out three qualities – perseverance, credibility and diligence.

    “I remember when we wanted to start the Lorenzo project, we encountered a lot of challenges while raising fund,” he said.

    “Even when the King of Dubai asked me what I wanted to do; I told him I want to build the tallest residential building in Lagos. And we were able to achieve this through perseverance and ‘I no go gree’ character. I have to invest everything I had into these projects and that’s what makes us stand out among our competitors.”

    Continuing, he urged them not to wait on anybody or the government for aid.

    “Don’t accept failure, when failure happens be strong and learn from it. And try to challenge yourself, read books because if you are loaded, you will be needed and you have to be creative and associate yourself with the right set of people.”

    While all the participants got luxury gift bags, a Macbook laptop, phones and luxury smart watches were given out to participants with the most innovative business ideas.

    Among the winners was 17-year-old Sofowa Fisayo, a secondary school leaver, whose dynamic Movie Set idea fascinated the celebrity judges and audience.

  • ‘My election should inspire young people‘

    ‘My election should inspire young people‘

    Omosede Igbinedion, a lawyer, is a member of the House of Representatives. She represents Ovia Constituency. She spoke with reporters about her legislative agenda. OTAGIE OTABOR was there.

    How do you feel being a member of the House of Representatives at your age?

    I feel it is a great stride for democracy and the development of our nation. It shows we are matured and it is not just a thing for the older men in the society to sit down and be there for a life time. Youth should take up mantle of leadership and carry out task that ordinarily should not have been given to them in the past. It shows that we are evolving, it shows we are changing and there is a greater acceptance. If we are emulating western world and other democratic societies I think we are doing very well because having more youths in elective position is a paradigm shift from the way things used to be before and the way they ought to be. It is important that more youths take up the challenge of going ahead to contest for elective positions. To be appointed as a youth is easy but really struggling and getting through the political race to emerge the winner is wonderful. It is a challenge and not an easy task. A lot of people will think I got elected on a platter of gold. Each and every day It was difficult and daunting. I took it as a challenge and I loved to be challenged. I enjoyed every minute of the campaigns and I didn’t sleep well. I didn’t sit back to say my dad can do it. I have to get into the hearts and mind of the people and let them know that I really want to represent them. I want to be there to represent their need and desires and they can use me as a point of contact to be able to realize what they want in Ovia and what they want Nigeria to be as a whole. I want to be able to put Ovia on the map.

    Did you feel intimidated on your first day in the chambers?

    It was a feeling of fulfilling. Being a lawyer, I think there is so much I expected. It was a beautiful experienced, I felt humble and bless. It was a sweet experiment having to be in the seat of Ovia Constituency.

    Why the choice of Dogara for Speakership?

    I am a true party person. Both candidates were wonderful. The speaker that emerged was the PDP choice. I have PDP in my blood, I have PDP in my bone marrow and I have PDP in my DNA. As a true PDP person, voting for Dogara was the only option. I keep amiable relationship with both parties. It was at the last hour that the party decided on which direction we have to go. The party is supreme.

    Any regret being a female politician?

    I have no regret being a female politician. I hope there will be more women in politics. I have every reasons to be thankful for.

    There are rumours that you plan to defect because of business interests?

    There is no iota of truth that I want to defect. My father is a chieftain of the PDP. He has always remained in PDP. He is part and founder of the PDP. My senior brother, Lucky, who is a past governor, is a PDP chieftain. I will never defect to the APC or any other party. There is no truth in that.

  • Nigerian Centenary Awards UK will inspire youths, says May7ven

    Nigerian Centenary Awards UK will inspire youths, says May7ven

    Afrobeat singer May7ven has said that the Nigerian Centenary Awards UK gala dinner scheduled to hold on June 27, at Waltham Forest Town Hall will inspire young Nigerians across the UK.

    The artiste, who is the latest Nigerian to back the awards ceremony, said: “It is a good thing that the Diaspora community is coming together to honour Nigerians who have contributed immensely to both the UK and Nigeria over the last 100 years. I hope that when our young people see how those who have been rewarded for their hard work are honoured, it will spur them on to do likewise,” May7ven said.

    Recently, the chairman of the House of Representatives Diaspora Committee, Honourable Abike Dabiri, had expressed her readiness to support the awards ceremony, where 100 outstanding Nigerians in the UK over the last 100 years will be honoured for their contributions to the society.

    Thirty-year-old May7even, also a dancer, producer, actress, model and entrepreneur, won her first award at the 2009 Nigerian Music Video Awards for Best Video in Europe.

  • Saka, others read to inspire

    Saka, others read to inspire

    HUMOUR merchant, Hafiz Oyetoro, popularly known as Saka, has been pencilled down as guest reader for the launch and formal presentation of the Parresia Foundation for Arts and Literature billed to hold on the 11th of May at the Freedom Park Lagos.

    A statement released by the foundation, an initiative of the duo of Azafi Omoluabi-Ogosi and Richard Alli, states that it is a registered non-governmental, non-profit organisation set up, among other things, to foster the appreciation of Nigerian Arts and Literature in the African and global audience.

    In its bid to deliver on its vision, the foundation partnered with celebrities like IK, Saka, Toolz and others who are regarded as role models, to read portions of some of the books published by the Parresia Press.

    Highlights of the event include spoken words, poetry and dance performance by the Young Ambassadors. Other guest readers for the event include on-air-personalities, IK Osakioduwa, Toolz Oniru (Beat FM), Omalicha (Rhythm FM), Toni Payne and top award-winning actors, Victor Olaotan and OC Ukeje.