Oct 21, 2007

Back from AWOL!

Yes o! I'm back finally from AWOL. I've been away for the past seven days to London Ghana to see the queen! OK, seriously though, I was selected as one of 101 young African leaders to attend the 5th African Business Leaders Forum in Ghana. Internet access and free time were almost a luxury and I rarely checked my blog talk less of updating. For me, it was more than a life time experience. I met and interacted with more "Big Men" than I have ever seen in my whole life. CEOs, Company Executives, Directors, Politicians, the Governor of Ogun State, several commisioners in Ogun State, Dr Fayemi (to-be Governor of Ekiti State) and many more. What more could one ask for?

I also networked with fellow delegates and I realized that young Africans have so much potential locked within them. There were times I felt I did not deserve being selected among the 101. These young people are consultants, facilitators, entrepreneurs, writers, motivational speakers, national award winners, etc with lots of achievements trailing them. Now, I'm all the more convinced that Africa has a great future and that this future is in the hands of young people like you and I. It's time we took a stand, it's time we spoke up, it's time we fought back in whatever way we can. Our leaders have stolen our past, our present and some are now trying to steal our future. We need to reclaim that future and then create a better future for our kids. I shall be updating soon with events and lessons I took away from the conference and the journey. I know for sure that something great is about to happen ... you and I shall be a part of it.

16 comments:

[G@ttoGiallo] said...

So pleased for this experience of yours and sure you deserved to be chosen.

Unknown said...

Hey Gatto, thanks a lot for your comment!

Anonymous said...

Welcome back. I'm sure u deserved to be at d conference, as much as everybody else. Hope u took pictures sha.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back! It's about bloody time, ye-ye man. Was showing my colleagues at work that video of the Niaja Senate. They don't want to mess with me, now. :-)

Unknown said...

@wienna, thanks for your words. Enough pictures o!!! I'll be uploading some soon and putting a lot on facebook. Where you dey for facebook sef?
@akin, thanks man. Men that senate video is just crazy! Grown up men ... na wa o

Abimars said...

Good for you! Welcome back

aloted said...

welcome back...and good to learn about ur experience..nice one..

pictures pls?!

Unknown said...

@Abimars, thanks a lot. I hope you've updated now o?
@aloted, pics will follow soon. You've been quiet too. What's up?

Aramide said...

wow well done

wish i could do stuff like that too

Ms. Catwalq said...

Am happy for you...
so what insights do you have for getting investors to starting your business..?
Contacts, hun?

Unknown said...

@mona, thanks a lot. I'm sure you can do it and even more.
@catwalq, na when you become LagbaJess o? LOL. Plenty insightst ... and contacts too.

Mimi said...

amen oh!!!!!

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

Tayo, there is no need to be extra humble. You know you deserved to be there!!!

"Our leaders have stolen our past, our present and some are now trying to steal our future."

I completely agree with you. It is time we reclaimed our future. However, I wonder how many young people are TRULY willing to do so. Some of us have been conditioned to participate in the status quo and actually benefit from it as well. Anyway, I am desperate for positive change in Nigeria and am willing to be a part of it. Welcome back!

cally-waffybabe said...

Awwwwww dude, you are so modest and that's what's more appealing about you.
However, do not undermine your own integrity. You are also very motivational to young people, very hard working and you soooo deserved to be chosen.
Good on you dude. I'm also looking forward to seeing pictures.
Stay cool.

Hugs
xxx

Anonymous said...

im extremely proud of u

Unknown said...

@mimi, Amen!
@solomonsydelle, thanks for your words.
@cally-waffybabe, thanks a lot!
@Overwhelmed, Thanks a lot!
You guys are making me feel so "large". I hope I can live up to the reputation. thanks a lot for your words.