In an event that could be described as one of its kind on the OAU campus, many students were allowed to experience life-changing and value-added mentorship.
The event which took place yesterday, March 19th 2021, at Ajose Lecture Theater In the University, tagged “Youth on a Mission” had expert guest speakers and panelists in attendance.
While speaking on the things students can do to improve themselves, one of the speakers, Ifeoluwa Oyeyemi, the CEO of FARMHELP Agrostores encouraged students not to bang on the problem they face but rather, make use of opportunities that come their way. She advised them to know what is pushing them that after a failure comes success.
Another speaker, Dr Temitope Ojo while speaking on the impact of role models on youth self-discovery, encouraged the youth to build them in such a way that they would become indispensable. He further admonished them to get ready for opportunities and have goals to remain competitive.
“Have a goal to impact the immediate environment and make an impact in your chosen field. Do not allow yourself to be pitied because you will end up in the pit. If you allow yourself to be a topic, you will be on top. Ensure you have a mentor. However, discover yourself before having a mentor,” Ojo admonished.
Ikedichi Egwu also urged the youth to get ready for opportunities. “Learning must proceed to earn. You must use social media for positioning and ensure you grow your networks. Become a person of value before approaching a mentor,” Egwu noted.
In the same vein, Damilola Fasoranti while enlightening the students on how they can combine society and family pressures in the cause of achieving their goals and personal development, noted that education is not a scam. He furthered that academics can be done while doing other things.
The Inspiration behind Ytop Global
In an interview with the Executive Director of YTop Global, Mr Ekundayo Oluwadamilare, on the inspiration behind the organisation, he said: “ Ytop Global is an organisation for those who are young, talented and skilful, and have big potential of making a big contribution to their community.
I was privileged to see people that inspired me while growing up and I admire them. I suddenly developed the hope that I can do better than them.
I then launched myself into the space of personal development. I saw the reason to impart my immediate environment and build a solution-based structure instead of complaining as many people do. This is why we assemble young persons in the community with the aim of training and mentoring them on how to provide solutions to problems.”
Since its inception, the organization has mentored and trained approximately 8500 youths.
In his reaction to this achievement, he said: “ I feel great. We do not only train and mentor students but also do follow up and give them a platform to grow. I am always happy to see those I trained achieving more than I do.”
“My advice to the youths is that they should not join the group of people that make complaints. Complaints only bring distractions. Instead, they should develop the capacity that would allow them to be relevant and contribute positively to the community, ” he concluded.
Participants’ Reactions
Kunle, a 400 level student while reacting to the event said: “ I am glad that I am part of this event. I am leaving this place better than I came in the morning. The session with the guest speakers are enlightening and educating. I really thank the organizers for this turn-around event.”
Tosin, a 100 level student admitted that the event is a life-changing one, “ This event gives me a clear understanding of what I want to do in life. I will forever cherish everything I learnt today,” he admitted.
Damilola, a 500 level student also testified that the event is one of its kind. “ I have spent 5 years on campus and I haven’t attended an event as powerful as this. I learned everything I need to catapult myself into the outside world.”