Nigeria’s youth-centric telecom brand, 9mobile, recently put together a career counselling session for students of Akande Dahunsi Senior High School in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The one-day event, at the school premises, The Point gathered was part of efforts by the telco to inspire and support the aspiration of young Nigerians, and targeted students going into SS1.
Welcoming attendees, the acting chief executive officer, 9mobile, Juergen Peschel, noted that the counselling session was conceived to inspire the students to greatness by giving them a head start in choosing career paths.
Peschel pointed out that his company’s CSR initiative was aimed at driving and promoting sustainable development.
He said, “At 9mobile, education is key. It opens a vista of opportunities and so we are constantly supporting initiatives that promote knowledge.
“Today, we are here to equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to make informed decisions about your future.
“What you do with this opportunity matters a lot as it will open new world of possibilities for you.”
Head, IT Services Management, 9mobile, Chima Nnorom and Manager, Events and Sponsorship, 9mobile, Ufuoma Dogun, who were session speakers at the event, both harped on the need for guidance and mentorship in making a career choice.
Dogun said, “The journey to a successful career begins with the right combination of subjects at this level which invariably will inform the choice of course to study at the university.
“You must avoid moving with the crowd, know your strength and build on it.”
Nnorom pointed out that as an IT expert, “I can tell you there is a place for everyone in the information technology space.”
The event was headlined by the Director of Schools, Education District III, Ministry of Education, Lagos State, Osobu Motunrayo, award winning actress cum social advocate, Kate Henshaw and executives of the telco.
Corroborating Nnorom and Dogun’s statements, Henshaw implored the students to take their studies seriously, and cautioned that there was no short cut to success.
She said, “As students you must be able to identify your area of strength and weakness in your various subjects which is critical in the choice of career you end up with.
“You must also listen to wise counsel from your parents/guardians; teachers and those you look up to as role models.
Motunrayo lauded 9mobile for the interesting session which she described as a springboard to the students’ success.
“No doubt students at this stage will need a lot of guidance and counselling to be able make the right choice as far as their career is concerned. We will like to see more of this replicated in the other schools in the state,” she said.
