In the last twenty years, the number of international migrants around the world has increased 200% from 100 to 200 million per year. As a matter of fact, there is a phenomenal growing interest amongst young Nigerians migrating to Europe and America in search of greener pastures. By so doing they help in the continual advancement of these continents, and further strengthen the brain drain initiative while leaving Nigeria untouched. Unfortunately, these migrants have more difficulty than permanent residents, in the country of destination, accessing services such as health, housing and education, and are often the target of unfair policies and discrimination by local citizens. These students and professionals who make up a large chunk of the migrants are unaware of the steps to take in surviving and living over there, problems they might encounter, challenges in relocating, and untapped opportunities here in Nigeria. A lot of young people are faced daily with confusion, discouragement, disenchantment, disarray, injustice, advance fee fraud, tribalism and general decay pervading the whole society. These social evils have left a lot of young Nigerians in the dungeon of despair and have beclouded their vision to be patriotic and professional.
Hence, the mass migration of young Nigerians to seek greener pastures in a foreign land(s). There are about five million young Nigerians living abroad, with over 20,000 doctors, 5,000 lawyers, 5000 technological experts living in the United States.
It is in light of the foregoing that the Nigerian Professionals (NiPRO) International Network conceptualized the READY..? SET..? STAY NIGERIA! project. The initiative will explore opportunities, discuss possible impediments and doubts, and also emphasize the incentives and existing opportunities in Nigeria and offer advice to practicing entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs; thereby drawing an accurate picture of business in Nigeria. It will also discourage Nigerians from running overseas to live there but to stay in Nigeria to help in the ongoing developmental works. It will also compliment the efforts of the READY...? SET..? GO Africa initiative for Africans in Diaspora. NiPRO wishes to inform all young Nigerian professionals, upcoming professionals and graduate students of its seminar scheduled for September 30, 2006 at The Conference and Training Centre Lagos, Elephant House, 16th and 17th Floors, 214 Broad Street, Lagos. Registeration is now on. Please contact Mr. Victor Gotevbe on 08033057677 or email gotebs@gmail.com for registeration details. Only limited seats are available.
This particular event will attempt to answer the following questions:
1. What are the benefits of being a Nigerian citizen?
2. What are the tangible benefits of holding a Nigerian passport?
3. What opportunities exist in Nigeria?
4. Why should Nigerians be patriotic?
5. How can young Nigerians build a new Nigeria?
6. Why National pride amidst poverty?
DESIRED OUTCOME
Expansion of professional horizons for all participants.
Economic empowerment and capacity building for all participants.
Development of measurable and realistic action plans and execution of subsequent programmes.
Promotion of the Nigerian brand.
Further develop and strengthen the NiPRO Network.
Acquiring and sharpening networking skills.
Build and sustain a website (www.readysetstayng.org) projecting the positive image of Nigeria.
RESOURCE PERSONS/FACILITATORS
The resource persons are well experienced young professionals who will analyze the issues of Migration. A lead paper will be presented by Mr. Edi Lawani, MD of Edi Lawani and Associates (Alternative Approach Konsultancy), an entertainment Communications company. Mr. Lawani is a trained and seasoned journalist who later worked with PMAN, got involved in Artist Management, Events Management and now into Show Production.
The panelists include Mr. Isaac Anjorin of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Miss Morayo Akabashorun, AGM NiPRO representing the Nigerian Diaspora; and Mr. Oyebanjo Okunnuga, a young entrepreneur, CEO, Kubacle Clothing and Mr. Chidi Enwerem, lecturer, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Lagos State University. Victor Gotevbe, General Manager NiPRO Nigeria and Personnel Officer of Vanguard Media Limited will serve as the Moderator.
Other guests include Lari Williams veteran actor.
OBJECTIVES
The Ready…? Set…? Stay Nigeria!!! programme for young Nigerians professionals desires to achieve the following objectives:
To empower young Nigerians into joining the course of rebuilding Nigeria with their expertise and resources.
To stimulate creativity amongst young Nigerian professionals, upcoming professionals and graduate students.
To expose existing entrepreneurial opportunities amongst young Nigerians.
To promote and strengthen networking amongst participants on youth development issues.
To facilitate the exchange of leads, recommendations and ideas.
To develop action plans and execute a programme for young Nigerian professionals development while supplementing already existing initiatives and encourage the advancement of fresh ones.
ABOUT NiPRO
NiPRO International is a global network of motivated young Nigerian professionals working together to build a prosperous, united and stronger Nigeria now and for the future. NiPRO is a subdivision of the AFRican PROfessionals (AfriPRO) Network Inc.
Our vision (worldwide)
To build a new positive image and appreciation for young Nigerian professionals and Nigeria, her culture and her people!"
Our Mission
Fostering the growth of highly talented, socially responsible and dynamic young Nigerian professionals to
- Address issues that affect young Nigerians
- Build meaningful contacts
- Cultivate impeccable professionalism
- Discover business etiquette & protocol
- Exchange ideas & visions
- Foster Travelers' Philanthropy in Nigeria
NiPRO has five pillars upon which we are building the Network:
- Professional Development
- Wealth Creation & Investment
- Cultural & Political Awareness
- Technology
- Community Service i.e. Medical & Technology Missions via Travelers' Philanthropy
VENUE
The Conference and Training Centre Lagos is located on the Island; a central location and has a very serene environment which allows for learning and good interaction. It is situated within the Elephant House with working elevators.
SUBJECT MATTER OF THE SEMINAR
The Seminar would be focused on issues bordering on Migration, Immigration, Patriotism, Economic Empowerment, Leadership, Citizenship, Nation Building and Networking, amongst others.
EVALUATION OF PROGRAMME
Monitoring will be an ongoing activity and Evaluation will be periodic. This will be conducted through interviews and open-ended questionnaires from participants of all our events. Periodic reports will be prepared that identify the major findings of the evaluation and how they have been used to improve our events. The services of professional evaluators will be engaged in due course.
