In his usual quest for the overall development of teenagers and youths in Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep Babajimi Benson, Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Defence has sponsored hundreds of Ikorodu Division Teenagers and Youths for the 2024 edition of the Teens Career Summer Program.
Benson, who is also the Member, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency at the House of Reps, stated that he decided to partner with the Focus Teens as a way of exposing Ikorodu teenagers to career skills early in life.
He added that the Summer Camp experience was equally meant to productively engage the teeming Ikorodu teenagers and youths during their summer holiday.
The program, organized in partnership with the iCare Foundation, provided a platform for participants to explore various career paths, nurture their talents and skills, and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.
The Focus Teens Summer programme which is a hybrid experience will host physical attendees live in Ikeja Lagos while there would be virtual viewing center at Oriwu College, in Ikorodu for teenagers who could not make it down to Ikeja from Monday, 29th July to 2nd August.
The opening event which was held yesterday at Regency Hall Ikeja, Lagos brought together students from various private and public schools, industry leaders, and distinguished guests for a five-day initiative aimed at empowering and inspiring young minds.
Mr. Kazeem Olaonipekun, Founder of Focus Teen Foundation, in his welcome address shared his personal experience of attending both public and private schools, highlighting the benefits of private schools that are not available to public school students.
He emphasized that the program was designed to provide exposure, mentorship, and access to industry leaders for public school students who may not have these opportunities otherwise.
He said ‘Your being here is a function of two things: my hopeless non-experience and the type of future that I desire for the young people of this nation’.
He concluding by urging participants to pay attention to the discussions and information shared during the program with a view to making the most of their future.
First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Mrs. Abimbola Odunbaku expressed her joy in joining the participants of the Teenage and Youth Career Summer Program. She emphasized the importance of the program in guiding young individuals during the long vacation period.
Mrs. Odunbaku highlighted the program’s significance in providing a stepping stone for the career journey of young boys and girls, equipping them with tools, knowledge, and aspirations to pursue their goals with confidence and determination.
She encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity by listening attentively, asking questions, seeking guidance, and absorbing knowledge.
Mrs. Odunbaku also emphasized that success is not just about talent, but also about hard work, perseverance, and focus.
Oba Muraina Adebanjo Adedini, Asoya of Isoya Kingdom, Ile Ife, Representative of Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (the Ọjájá II), Ooni of Ife addressed commended the organizers for their efforts in empowering young minds.
He noted that the program which offers a platform for empowering, inspiring, and igniting the dreams of the young generation was a welcome development.
He stressed the importance of young people being not just the future, but also the present, and their dreams, aspirations, and contributions matter significantly.
The monarch concluded by wishing the participants a productive and inspiring summer program, encouraging them to embrace opportunities, grow, and make their marks.
Dignitaries in attendance were the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Mrs. Abimbola Odunbaku, HRM Oba Adeyeye Enitan, the Ooni of Ife, represented by HRM Oba Adedeji Adebanjo of Asanya Ile-Ife, and Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende among others.
