By Omen Bassey
Today, I enjoyed the privilege of accompanying an illustrious son of Akwa Ibom State, Barr Antai Effiong to the 2016 Inoyo Toro Annual Teachers Award Ceremony at L' Meridien Hotel,Uyo.
Today, I enjoyed the privilege of accompanying an illustrious son of Akwa Ibom State, Barr Antai Effiong to the 2016 Inoyo Toro Annual Teachers Award Ceremony at L' Meridien Hotel,Uyo.
I must confess that the Foundation is affecting lives and helping the society in a very significant way.I'm not surprised that it seems to enjoy tremendous support and goodwill among members of the society.
Barr Antai,who is the Mentor for Community Secondary School, Eyo Abasi,Oron Local Government Area flew in from Abuja primarily for the mentoring session with the kids.I enjoyed every moment of it. I think more attention should be given to the younger folks in primary and secondary schools.
I noticed today that they harbour so many unanswered questions which border on their future. And a little indiscretion at this stage can derail their future.They are all desirous of a great future and I could see both enthusiasm and self doubt among them.
While Barr. Effiong masterfully admonished and answered the questions of his mentees, I was concerned with the thousands of their peers who aren't as privileged.
The mentoring session is a great idea.Mentors share their life stories and knowledge relevant to their circumstances of their mentees.
Barr. Effiong told the youngsters that after God,they are responsible for their future.He emphasized the need for them to cultivate virtues like honesty, truthfulness, faithfulness, sincerity, hard work etc.He explained that the programme was primarily intended to expose them and broaden their horizons while challenging them to dream.
He warned his mentees against cutting corners in their pursuit of education, noting that such would result in disgrace in the future.
He also warned them against allowing the love for money be the primary motivation for their career choices. He advised them to read courses they have aptitude and passion for as doing otherwise would compromise their sense of fulfilment.
He explained that hard work doesn't mean complete absence of healthy extra curricular activities,adding that physical exercises contribute to mental health. He informed them of how he excelled academically despite being a passionate footballer.
"It's important we build our own lives and not look at other people, not even our parents to build our lives for us" .He said.
Responding to one of the mentees on the issue of sponsorship, he assured that exceptional performances would always attract support and sponsorship. He said that big organizations like ExxonMobil and public spirited individuals are investing substantially in the education of indigent but brilliant students.
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| Barr. Omen Bassey |
On my part, I told them a story of how I almost ended in the Sciences despite being clearly cut out for the Arts,owing to parental influence. Corroborating their mentor's position that determination will always birth success despite odds,I told them how I dared to go to school despite financial difficulties but ended up with both a job and Mobil Scholarship as an undergraduate.
What I saw today reinforced my belief that it's wrong to claim that impactful service can only be rendered using political platforms. There was absolutely no political dimension to the event. Both the leadership of Inoyo Toro Foundation and the Mentors are driven by just one passion --- instilling the culture of academic excellence in our school system.
I dare to say that any society which relegates education, particularly the moulding of the younger generation but prioritizes other areas of development will sooner or later realize its mistake .Sound basic education should take priority over every other form of development.
I congratulate the leadership of Inoyo Toro Foundation for this vision. I appreciate the Mentors for sacrificing their resources to support this worthy vision.In particular, I thank Barr. Antai Effiong for ensuring that at least one school in the entire Oro Nation participates in this destiny moulding project and helping to re-fuel my passion for sound education among our younger brothers and sisters.
It was indeed,a day well spent.
Omen Bassey.
Written on the 4th November, 2016
Written on the 4th November, 2016
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