Experts Encourage Young Nigerians to Focus on Character and Skills for Success

Leadership and personal development experts have called on young Nigerians to build character and practical skills. They say these qualities are key for success in careers and effective leadership.

The experts believe that having just academic qualifications is not enough. They encouraged young people to invest in self-development, form meaningful relationships, and gain skills that solve problems and create value.

They spoke on Saturday at the graduation of 15 participants, mostly National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. These graduates completed a three-month Life School Mentorship Programme at Prescient Court, Kaura District, Abuja.

Victor Oshadare, a leadership and personal development trainer, emphasized the importance of character. He said character is the base of credibility and trust. He added that character, competence, commitment, communication, and creativity are essential for success in life and work.

"When everything has failed, if you still have character, you will still live," he said. He also pointed out that character alone cannot guarantee success without the ability to deliver results.

Mr Oshadare explained that competence means the ability to perform a task well. He said knowledge boosts competence and helps people provide value that others will pay for. He also mentioned practical skills like financial management, emotional intelligence, and personal development as ways to enhance competence.

On commitment, Mr Oshadare said that success demands resilience and persistence, even when facing setbacks. He described success as a journey and encouraged participants to focus on problem-solving.

He also urged graduates to form purposeful relationships and communicate with people who help their personal and professional growth. He stressed the need for creativity, encouraging graduates to seek continuous improvement and develop skills that create value. He said opportunities come to those who solve problems.

Joseph Audum, the founder of the Life School Mentorship Programme, told the graduates to see their service year under the NYSC as a chance for self-development, networking, and preparing for their careers.

Mr Audum stated that graduation marks a new phase of service and responsibility, not the end of learning. "You don’t get ready. You live ready," he said.

He encouraged graduates to explore opportunities, build relevant skills, and make career choices that fit their long-term goals. He also advised them to focus on creating value rather than just chasing money. He said building meaningful relationships can lead to future opportunities.

Some graduates shared their experiences with PREMIUM TIMES, saying the mentorship programme changed their approach to business, careers, and personal growth.

Rita Akume mentioned that she joined the programme after meeting Mr Audum during the NYSC orientation camp. At that time, her business was struggling with a loan. She said the mentorship gave her practical business skills and renewed her confidence. Her business later repaid the loan fully and saw over 20 percent growth compared to previous years.

Omotoyosi Omole noted that the programme taught her the value of building meaningful relationships and making intentional career choices. She secured her first job with a UK-based social media marketing company through a referral. Later, she accepted a customer service job with a US healthcare company.

Ms Omole added that the mentorship improved her confidence and communication skills, which helped her land another job as a Business Support Officer with a UK company.

Dim Shalom, another corps member and founder of The Brigade Initiative for Boy Child Development, said the mentorship enhanced his leadership skills. It also gave him new insights into honour, integrity, commitment, competence, and relationship building.

He explained that the programme supported his work mentoring young boys to be self-aware and purposeful leaders, reinforcing the values that guide his mission.

The Life School Mentorship Programme aims to equip young people with practical lessons on character, leadership, financial intelligence, relationship management, and other life skills not often covered in school.

The programme was introduced to interested corps members during the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) public speaking class. Participants later joined the three-month mentorship programme, which focuses on leadership, character development, and practical life skills.

The organisers noted that the programme has graduated over 30 participants since it started, with the latest group of 15 graduates, mostly from the NYSC.

Professionals from various fields, including engineering, coaching, healthcare, and business, attended the graduation ceremony. They encouraged the young graduates to stay focused on personal development, career growth, and leadership.