In commemoration of International Youth Day, IYD, the office of the Youth of the Year in the Oyo State Most Influential Award Series, has leveraged its office to channel its expertise and talents toward empowering the youth of the State with skills and knowledge essential for shaping their future and thriving in today’s challenging economic landscape.
Most Influential Award Series is a platform created by Ibadan Media Limited to reward and appreciate citizens for their contribution towards the development of the state. The event which started in the year 2017 is preparing for the 7th edition in a couple of months, for its 2023 version.
This empowering initiative is a prominent feature of the Most Influential Personalities Award Empowerment Program (MIPA-EP), dedicated to nurturing the potential of Oyo State’s residents. Mr. Olalekan Olanrewaju Ola, the convener, executive producer of the award series, and chairman of Ibadan Media Ltd, emphasized the goal of the event: to empower youth with knowledge, skills, and inspiration that they can apply immediately in their lives.
“We are not here just to motivate you with words, but to provide you with tangible tools and insights that you can put into practice right away,” said the convener.
“As organizers, we are committed to your journey. We believe in your potential, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Remember that empowerment is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. This is one why this event is not just going to be based on motivations only but to also help some lucky people to start their entrepreneurs’ journey,” Ola noted.
The program, titled “Empower Youth for the Future,” featured the 2021 winner, Olamide Agbomeji, CEO of Greenplus Pharmacy & Saphry Events, and the current winner, the 2022 Oyo State Youth of the Year, Olaide Alim, CEO of Snappy Exchange, along with the 2022 second runner-up, Yousouph Adebayo Grey, Head of Station at Agidigbo 88.7FM. Dr. Seun Fakorede, the former youth commissioner of Oyo State, delivered the keynote speech to over a hundred young individuals from various walks of life who attended the event on September 29, 2023, at the University of Ibadan Hotel seminar room.
Seun Fakorede encouraged young individuals to develop distinctive personal brands and establish a strong online presence as essential elements in paving the path toward a sustainable future in 2023. He highlighted the importance of crafting and sharing one’s personal narrative to achieve goals and gain recognition as an influential individual within society.
Olamide Agbomeji, took the stage to share her wealth of knowledge by providing practical guidance on becoming a certified event planner.
Drawing from her own journey, she illuminated the path for beginners in the field. She emphasized critical aspects of the craft, including vendor selection and management, creativity and innovation, professional development, and marketing skills, all of which play pivotal roles in establishing and sustaining a successful career in event planning and management.
Adebayo Yousouph delved into the art of crafting exceptional digital content and the growing creator economy.
Sharing practical steps that have personally aided him in creating exceptional and engaging online content, he stressed the importance of innovation, dynamism, and the infusion of personal style and creativity to captivate audiences and monetize content.
“Good content is king, and there are essential factors to consider in its creation, including imagination and creativity,” Adebayo emphasized.
Olaide Alim and his team provided invaluable training on the significance of Internet marketing and practical steps to generate income online through micro-jobs websites, fiverr, and mini-importation businesses.
All the trainers stressed the paramount importance of resilience and networking in developing exceptional skills and career paths.
The OYOMIP Youth of the Year winners have not only earned their accolades but have also become catalysts for positive change. They were awarded and decorated as “OYOMIP Youth Leadership Ambassador for Change & Social Impact” by Ibadan Media.
Approximately 45 participants were selected for further mentorship and practical training with the trainers.
The nomination portal is now open for the 7th edition of the Most Influential Awards Series, including Oyo State Man of the Year, Oyo State Woman of the Year, Oyo State Youth of the Year, and the 2023 Oyo State 100 Most Influential Personalities and Brands Award. For more details, visit www.oyomostinfluentialawards.com.
