By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Nigerian youths have been advised to pursue their passion rather than money or immediate gains as the former will keep them standing to the end when the chips are down.
“I will advise them (youths) to follow their passion. Do not choose a career to impress anyone, rather let the people validate you,” a celebrated comedian, Mr Bright Okpocha, fondly known as Basketmouth, said at a special advocacy programme organised by Ecobank Nigeria to mark International Youth Day (IYD).
Basketmouth was at the event held in Lagos as one of the panellists to speak on the theme Finding Your Voice, a Career, Creativity, and Skills.
He was joined by Adeoluwa Enioluwa, a writer and public speaker; Ozinna Anumudu, an expert in fashion and branding; Jemima Osunde, an actress, model and presenter; Bankole Williams, a consultant, career coach; and Hadiza Blell, otherwise known as Di’Ja, a singer and songwriter.
Speaking further, the comedian praised Nigerian youths for being “quite enterprising,” but he advised that “if you have an idea, don’t rush at implementation, sit down with it, put down the structures before you make a move.”
He also counselled them that the driving force for choice of career should not be a financial inducement, fame or immediate gains but passion, stressing that it was the clear way to find a voice, achieve focus and desired career goal.
The other speakers unanimously urged youths not to be desperate but pursue careers they are happy with and “be ready to work hard at it as that is the only way to have your voice heard,” reiterating that there was “no room” for laziness, as bills have no respect for persons.”
Earlier, the Head of Direct Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, Mrs Adetola Oshomah, said the digital seminar was part of the bank’s Mobile Xpress (MX) Online Series to give the youths the opportunity to speak, noting that panellists comprising young people, who have excelled in their various careers and professions, were carefully selected to share their experiences and challenges before they found their voice.
Mrs Oshomah added that Ecobank boasts of digital solutions, products and services that are targeted at creating convenience for the youths.
She further stated that as a bank, Ecobank seeks to empower young people by offering them convenient, affordable and accessible financial services anytime and anywhere from their mobile phones, which is their primary mode of communication.
Aduragbemi Omiyale