JARUS ON SUNDAY: A Grateful Soul
After more than one month of publicity, the first edition of Jarushub Career & Mentorship Conference took place yesterday. As early as 7.30 in the morning the participants had started thronging in and few minutes after 8.00am the speakers also began to arrive for what lived to pre-event rating as the biggest assembly of top professionals for Nigerian youths in recent time.
All the advertised speakers showed up: Mr. Obafemi Bamidele from one of the biggest IOCs operating in Nigeria; Mr. Femi Awoyemi, CEO of Proshare Nigeria; Messrs Lloyd Onaghinon and Akeem Oyewale, Heads of Business Banking and Global Markets Sales respectively at StanbicIBTC; Mr. Tope Fasua, CEO of Global Analytics; Mr. Niyi Yusuf, CEO of Accenture Nigeria; and Mr. Simon Kolawole, former Editor of THISDAY newspapers. Mr. Robert Ikhazoboh, CEO of Dragnets Solutions, who could not make it, sent in a powerful delegation of two directors from the company.
After the ever dependable anchor, Sola Fagorusi, opened the floor by reeling out the programmes for the day, I declared the session open by telling the story of Jarushub, the plans for the future and what to expect from the conference. Obafemi followed with a powerful lecture on professional examinations before Mr. Awoyemi held the class spell-bound with his discussion on role of mentors in a person’s career and life in general. Investment banker Lloyd Onaghinon took to the center stage to give us hints on climbing the career ladder in corporate Nigeria.
A very energetic session by the versatile Tope Fasua on what one needs to do before one’s career disappears was followed by Akeem’s sublime delivery on what one needs to do right from one’s very first job. The recruitment specialist, Dragnet Solution, represented by Mr. Baba Ikhazoboh, a Director, shared their experience on the quality of Nigerian graduates and what they think need to be done to enhance their employability. Then came Mr. Yusuf, who spoke extensively on tips to succeeding in Nigeria’s competitive market. Kolawole ended the sessions with a lively message to young Nigerians.
Pressmen from THISDAY and WEBTV-NG covered the event.
Like I mentioned in my closing remarks at the event I feel honoured to have been able to bring these accomplished men together. I have personally learned from them and I believe other youths and young adults can also benefit from them. Of what use is one’s network when it doesn’t bring good, not only to one but also to the people around one, and beyond. I am really indebted to these men who took their time to grace the event. Mr. Awoyemi, who has been in and out of the country in recent time, and having another event same day, gave me not less than two hours of his day. Tope came all the way from Abuja and had to return same day. Lloyd, despite having other commitments for the day, was there for more than 3 hours. Same for Obafemi. Mr. Yusuf had 3 speaking engagements that day, yet made it. Akeem was there throughout to support. It needs no telling that Simon Kolawole is a very busy man. Yet all these men showed up. Words cannot convey my gratitude.
Cross section of participants at the Jarushub conference
The participants also deserve to be thanked. Making something free doesn’t necessarily guarantee attendance. I am therefore elated having so much people attend. This is the first edition and lessons were learnt. We hope to get better in subsequent editions. Thank you very much.
NB: Full reports, pictures and videos of the event will be shared in coming days.
Jarus, I was at the event yesterday, I witnessed everything that transpired and I left the venue as an achiever. So, I’m using this opportunity to say a very big thank you, to you in perticular and the entire members of your team (Jarushub) in general. There’s apperently no reward for good other than good, and only God can reward deeds; so, may the Most High God reward you guys abundantly. I sure have no doubt that, with people like you (guys), there’s a greater hope for Nigeria…Cheers!