Nigeria

Dear Young Nigerian Professionals,

 It takes common sense to walk, Principles to run and instructions to fly.

Twenty three (23) young Nigerian Professionals from Lagos, Kano and Abuja gathered on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at The Presidency,  Merit House, Abuja for NiPRO's financial workshop tagged: Financial Intelligence- A vehicle for meaningful livelihood.

The event kicked off at 12.15pm with a welcome address by Mr. Victor Gotevbe, General Manager of NiPRO after which participants and speakers entered their contact information at the register at registration desk manned by Mr. Taiwo Adewole and Mr. Oluyinka Adeoti. The workshop commenced proper with the National Anthem. Thereafter, facilitators and Participants introduced themselves.

All present shared the reason they chose to attend the workshop. This session was very interactive as participants were also given two pieces of sweet (Tom Tom) each for the ice breaker so as to allow for easy and active participation. The rule of the ice breaker did not permit participants to either say  'Yes' or 'No', otherwise, they lose their sweets. This briefing was to allow for the first talk which was on Business Ethics delivered by Mr. Gbenga Aroyehun, who represented Mr. Chido Onumah,   Coordinator of Fix Nigeria Initiative (FNI) of EFCC. Very thought provoking session as participants had lots of questions and comments. After the first talk, the ice breaker commenced; Mr. Olu Joseph (Speaker) and Victor Gotevbe emerged as the best networkers of the workshop following their tie as they had the highest  number of  sweets (six each).

Mrs. Ekaette Umoh , bringing her wealth of experience, gave her speech on Starting from where you are on the road to financial Independence. She employed some stories and very practical cases on gaining financial intelligence for independence. This led to the session on question and answers facilitated by both Mr. Aroyehun and Mrs. Umoh.

The third talk saw Otunba Adeshola Afariogun with a presentation on Legitimate Internet businesses ranging from Forex trading, Multi level marketing and other stocks. He shared his story on how he has been able to gain financial independence from his journey of being employed with several organisations and how he currently manages several businesses and his plan to retire at age forty(40). Quite challenging right?

The fourth talk was delivered by Mr. Gotevbe on building effective professional relationships. He gave tips on relating in the business world from hand shakes to eye contacts and even on how to use business cards, elevators pitch and some networking commandments to get one to the top. 

The Fifth and last talk on e-Merging e-Marketing Solutions For Brand Promotion In Competitive Business Environment –  Endless possibilities through the Internet by Mr. Olu Joseph left both participants and speakers with something that provoked them to work towards getting financial independence via some electronic tools. He ended his session with some free handouts to all present.

 The workshop had each participant picking from a bag, an 'unfamiliar' business cum personal networking card to follow up with the owner  as a mentee or a mentor. The workshop came to a close at about 6.30pm with the National Pledge.

 Our appreciation goes to Mr. 'Femi Johnson for his financial and moral support, FNI (for the handbooks on Anti –corruption advocacy, stickers and handbills), all our speakers and all NiPRO members who made the workshop a success.

 

 

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Victor Gotevbe
General Manager
Nigerian Professionals International network