The African Student Association (ASA) of Michigan successfully held their inaugural leadership conference yesterday, 23rd of January 2010 at the University Student Center Ballroom of Wayne State University, Detroit. The theme of the conference was "Developing African Leaders in Diaspora." The program kicked off with a continental breakfast which then led to a discussion panel where issues like love, sex, and health were tackled. That session was not only exciting; it broadened the knowledge of the audience on the little but important things that are not normally addressed in an African setting.
The Wazobia Network was represented by Mr. Seyi Ogunlusi (President of the Yoruba Youth Corporation) who encouraged the audience to use their God given talents to the best of their ability. The African Students of Michigan State University showed us the Africa we see on TV versus the real Africa and Osi Aigbokhaode recited a poem. Olamild of OE talked about African Cultural values and why people especially Africans in diaspora should be rooted in it.
NIDO of Michigan focused on career choices and the real world. Dr. Chukwunyere Okezie (an associate professor of education at marygrove college) emphasized the need to focus on one's passion instead of going with the flow. "A lot of people go into programs because they see the people around them going into it. Once someone else tells them another field is what's in demand, they switch to it. They run up and down seeking refuge in something they believe is lucrative. These people need to go to career counseling and find what they love doing. If you find what you love to do, pursue it and no matter what the economy seems to be like, that which you are passionate about will make a way for you." Dr. Okezie also encouraged the students to talk, research, and join professional organizations that relate to what they are interested in.
Dr. Zakari Tata of NIDO suggested a well balanced community that will counsel parents on how to let their children discover and follow their passion instead of forcing them to a a particular field; he also said that being pushed into a field could lead to future frustration because the student won't be happy doing what s/he is being pushed to do. He encouraged the students to discuss their ambitions with the right people instead of everyone.
Mrs. Jumoke Gbadebo Kayode and Mr Ogunfiditimi advised the audience to follow their passion and do just what they love and nothing else. Mr. Kunle of the RCCG Youth Ministry shared work etiquette while Ms. Eve Famutimi of Central Michigan University engaged the audience in a little "build a tower with a newspaper" session. The exercise exemplified the importance of teamwork within an organization.
The organizations that attended this event are but not limited to the Wazobia Network, Africans in medicine(AIM), Yoruba Youth Corporation (YYC), Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), RCCG Singles Ministry, Olamild Ent and several schools from Michigan. Overall, the conference afforded the students an opportunity to network with professional organizations as well as with their peers in student groups around Michigan.
We say a big thank you to the program board - Ivy, homa, chidinma, tosin, dupe, kemi, nathan, moriah & Elizabeth for a job well done.
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