I’m sure you are probably wondering why am I back in Nigeria, when I was just here in March.
Well many of you might not know this but my family and I also run a business/non-profit organization called WETATi which is short for Women Empowered to Achieve the Impossible. Since the birth of WETATi in 2012 our NGO has expanded outside of empowering women and youth in the United States.
Today, I am back in Nigeria to launch WETATi International, which has taken on a whole new meaning ‘We’re Empowered to Achieve the impossible’ which focuses on empowering the youth to both men and women to be innovative. By teaching the importance of developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Lagos Nigeria is our first official international conference, which was held last week November 12th through November 14th at the University of Lagos, located in Lagos, Nigeria.
Last week we were able to hold a 3-day youth empowerment conference, scholarship and awards banquet at the University of Lagos, which is also known as (UNiLAG). The theme of the program was… building a nation through positive mindset, service, volunteerism, mentorship, leadership with integrity and entrepreneurship.
The first week I got to Nigeria, I spent most of my time running to seek sponsorship’s, partnerships and youth organizations in Lagos city. When our team originally found out University of Lagos wanted us to bring our program to Nigerian youth we were so excited!! WETATi has wanted to bring this initiative back home for the longest.
The first day of our conference began on Thursday November 12th which as a general session focused on youth empowerment by gaining the youths perspective. We discussed practical life application of school skills, the role of Churches and NGO’s and how to be a contributing member of society. I spoke abut how I got started as an artist and the power able being able to own yourself or ideas.
We were so excited to see young students from Government Technical College, Ijeka Lagos Nigeria, line up one by one at the podium to ensure they get their voices heard. Each spoke about topics that mirrored issues relevant to youth living in America.
It was such an empowering feeling to know that you can use the story of finding your purpose in life to inspire complete strangers to find his or her purpose. I was able to touch so many lives in just 3 days, from Thursday November 12th to Saturday 14th. I witnessed so many young girls and boys eager to learn more about how they can do more and what steps they can take to make their futures bright.
During the conference we had local politicians and professionals come and speak about the power of volunteerism and integrity and so many other topics that cued on how we can all do better. One of our main goals was to make sure that the youths voices were heard and understood. Our 2-day conference allowed attendants to connect with leaders in their perspective communities and connected some of the youth with possible job, internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
Students asked many questions like:
What can we figure out what are skill is? How can the government help to enlighten the youth so we can all work together to make Nigeria better?
There is truly a lot to be celebrated about this conference. As a team we were able to have the conference come together in such a caring and impactful way by the Grace of God and with the help of so many people.
Through the lenses of the youth I was able to witness their pains and frustrations. How the government, schools and churches have let the next generation down. Many wanted to find creative outlets to express themselves outside of the classroom or help in starting their own businesses. I personally was able to connect with one of the attendants who signed her own textiles but could fine the support she needed because the art isn’t appreciated here in Nigeria.
The only words that kept running my head was lack of opportunity. Every person I had the pleasure on interacting with, was intelligent, sharp, articulate and friendly.
Below is a testimonial from one of the young men that attended the conference and a few pictures from the past two weeks.
Thank you very much for the just concluded empowerment conference and the willingness to come to Nigeria.
I watched with rapt attention how you, your daughter and your team negotiated through the sea of frustrations, disappointments and deceptions ( Nigerian factor ) and i heard in the pained phraseology of the description of your experiences that indeed this has drawn blood from you. However, undaunted and with courage you soldiered on and delivered not only a successful conference, but you, your daughter and your team exemplified the message you brought to nigeria. notably, despite your nigerian experiences you kept your integrity and showed your compassion by not only giving out the awards and scholarship as planned but expanded the scope of some of the awards. Your daughter was tireless in ensuring everyone got served at the dinner and significantly she personally served food to the dj crew for her status that was pleasing to see.
Personally, i am encouraged to stay the course of owing a research institute funded by at least three companies l will own. the institute will bud off businesses based on discoveries it makes. Also, l came away with strategies of moving my one man liguid detergent business to the next level. Indeed i will pass on the message.
Moving forward, with Nigeria pulling down the towering image of corruption through prosecution of corrupt public office holders, there is need to resensitize/reawaken Nigerians to the virtues of integrity, compassion and enterprise which corruption has divorced us from. Hence WETATI’s coming is at the right time. - frank izokpu
From conception to completion, we were able give scholarships to two deserving University of Lagos students. WETATi international is now working on creating a center for creative thinking and social responsibility in Lagos.
This opportunity has inspired to me want to do MORE, to help young people take the necessary steps to find their path and purpose in life. Has the cultural influence of parents eaten up the minds of Nigerian youths?
#Thoughts?