The Council for youth empowerment founded by Mallam Nasir El Rufai, today handed out awards and start up capital, to the first and second prize winners, Aboyowa Etchie and Ikechukwu Anthony Ndibe.
They were presented checks of 750,000 Naira each as well as business start up advice and will be mentored by members of the council.The event was chaired by Prof. Pat Utomi and featured a key note speech delivered by Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
Many dignitaries were present at the function including the Nigerian media mogul Nduka Obaigbena, who not only is in support of youth empowerment in Nigeria but also put up the funds to be awarded to the competition winners.
Generally the event was well organised, well attended, very inspiring and both participants and organisers made a genuine concerted effort to maximise the little available time frame even apologising for the 10-15 minute delay in starting at the appointed time which as we all know is sometimes unavoidable.
It was an event that left me feeling at least hopeful and knowing despite everything there are people out there who are genuinely concerned and committed to the future generations of Nigerians.
Confession Corner: It's taken ages to upload pictures using my "broadband connection" so it got me thinking..
I'm a total supporter of inspiring people, so I'll try to give you a better feel of the atmosphere, most speakers made jokes about their recent experiences in exile, you got the feeling or sense of a person or people who could laugh at themselves...
Nuhu Ribadu made reference to an inspiring passionate Nigerian he recently met in the US who was passionate about Nigeria. He then went on to make a passionate plea for everyone to make a difference.
When the winners were announced, Nasir El Rufai pointed out he had no influence whatsoever on the outcome, call me gullible but I believed.
Lets dissect the winning entries for a second, a fish farm may sound basic and many people do it in Lagos and other parts but take into account the need for variety in our goat / beef eating habits and you may truthfully start to see wisdom.
I was at Abuja City park the other day buying fish off the grill, with prices ranging from N1500 - N3500 there will always be a market in this country.
Then finally, affordable locally made wigs for sale to law school graduands at a cheaper cost than imported wigs...
I have many lawyers in my family but I could never come up with that Idea. Black hair industry is worth billions but is dominated by Asians, I heard some people can pay up to $10,000 for the perfect weave on.
Why lawyers wear those wigs is a topic for another discussion but in all honesty if through tradition in the legal Industry you are required to wear the wig, the idea to manufacture locally and sell to law school graduates is a brilliant idea.
The winners deserve to be encouraged and personally I wish them abundant success.
To read more on this initiative visit here or go to www.nasirschronicles.com for more info
