LAGOS SDGs MENTORSHIP ROUND: A PROMISING INTERVENTION FOR YOUTH

Diverse in their design and implementation, mentoring programs have becomes indispensable for any society willing to thrive and achieve its developmental goals.

The act of mentorship shares a common aim of providing people with structured support as it appears to be an inexpensive solution to some of the deep-rooted social problems.

Owing to its promising nature of helping young people to become protagonists of their own future and development, the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment recently launched the SDGs Surprise Mentorship Round as a way of connecting young ones to a diverse network of thought leaders to share their vision for the future, create meaningful conversations and to achieve positive change.

It is an initiative that was conceptualised on the premise that the Lagos State Government makes plain its enthusiasm for youth-focused mentoring and Its desire that it be a mechanism for achieving its policy objectives.

What are our aspirations for youth? Not only in the realm of employability but also in community advancement and their personal development?

This was one of the remarks made by the Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, at the first Surprise Mentorship outreach held at Ikeja.

According to him, the one thing the political class can do to help youth forge a positive path forward is to provide positive mentorship. A fundamental rethink of our approach to governance demands that we build a strong and healthy youths with the right mindset to take up responsible choices.

The state government believes that the youth  can help to deliver some of the ambitious aims of the sustainable development agenda.

Mentors are the role models and teachers that are needed to help shape an inclusive and civic society. This first Mentorship  outing beholds a theatrical adventure. It was like a script written from the inn of Shakespeare’s playhouse, when an astute impresario ascended the scene.

A choreographic enthusiasm dictated the atmosphere. Yes, it was meant to be a surprise and a surprise it was indeed. Like his raving blockbuster, “ANIKULAPO”, the ace film maker unequivocally splashes through musing of participating mentees with his deftness of words and chronicle rendition of experiences.

Mr. Kunle Afolayan having been a Lagos boy who has built a successful career in acting, film-making and entrepreneur Afolayan “understands the assignment” so well. The film maestro touched on relevant areas of life including leadership, entrepreneurship and entertainment.

No one is immune to the realities of life, especially as a young person trying to find his or her feet towards the corridor of success. The youth must recognise that there are hurdles that could frustrate their ambitions but rather than cave in, they should be consistent with their

His thoughts on having a teachable personality inspires JLoren Norris’ saying “If you cannot see where you are going, ask someone who has been there before”.  The thespian wants young ones to always be open to learning and candid to foster shared understanding and respect that bridge gaps between contemporary values and traditional customs and habits.

To earn a promising career, honesty and respect cannot be compromised. Imagine how frustrating it would be to have skills, ideas and abundant energy to make a difference– and have doors slam at you for uncultured, Afolayan pointed out.

When the ace actor was made to provide his perspective on the trending “JAPA” he acknowledged the fact that Nigeria is challenging but has always rewarded everyone that has the right mentality and approach to life. This he said should be a motivating factor for youth to always dream of making it happen in Nigeria.

Afolayan would later advise the Mentees to position themselves for opportunities and direct their focus on their strong point.

Admiring the State Government’s leading role in creating new opportunities for youth to grow and become a better person, Afolayan held a staunch belief that this administrator is setting up Lagos to abundantly help youth to be fulfilled in life.

With  such amazing expression of interest from youth to meet Surprise Mentor in Public Sector, Media, Politics, Public Speaking, IT and many more there will be more Surprises from this initiative in the coming weeks.

 

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