As part of its commitment to identify, harness and maximize the potentials of young Nigerians and to create a promising future for the next generation of young leaders, Salimo-Wits Leadership Club organized an entrepreneurial skill acquisition training program in Ibeju/Lekki community LGA of Lagos State. The training focused on basic entrepreneurial and home management skills, simple fashion design and beauty crafts business and cosmetology.
The first training session on Mental Health was facilitated by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics National Drug Law Enforcement Agency {NDLEA}Mrs. Felicia Ikechukwu. The speaker outlined the various classes of commonly abused drugs and substances by Nigerian youths. She attributed the abuse of drugs by Nigerian youths to dysfunctional homes and families, prevalence of drugs in our society, inaccurate information about dangers of drugs, eexperimenting out of curiosity or boredom, peer influence and influence of media adverts amongst others.
The speaker enumerated on the consequences and effects of drug abuse as loss of interest in school work, health-related problems, criminal activity, cultism, aggression and violent behavior. She rounded up her talk by admonishing the participants to shun anti-social vices and lead a drug-free life. The Mental Health session was followed by interaction session and talk on entrepreneurship. The center point of the program was the training of participants on various cosmetology and household cleaning products such as disinfectants, perfume making as well as simple fashion design and beauty crafts. The one-day program ended by 6:30pm with group photographs and networking by the participants.
Salimo-Wits Leadership Club (SWLC) training is powered by SALIMO-WITS FOUNDATION, a not-for-profit organization that seeks to build leaders and berth change with global impact.
The Save Our School, Soul, Singles and Students (SOS4) series sponsored by Salimo-Wits Foundation in collaboration with Petra Career management and Resources which commenced earlier in January was rounded off today with a Youth summit held today, 3oth November, 2019 at Petra Christian Academy, Ughelli, Delta State. The youth summit drew attendance from fifteen secondary schools across four Local Government Area’s in Delta State. Some of the schools that participated in the summit include: Petra Christian Academy, High Standard, Afiesere Secondary School, James Welch Grammar School, Owhe Grammar School, Otovwodo Grammar School, Zion City, Ibru College, Final Touch, Effurun Otor Grammar School, Ughelli Mixed, Adagwe Grammar School, Rhinos High School, Ovwor Grammar School and Our Lady of Fatimah.There were over one hundred and twenty five students and teachers in attendance.
Topical issues discussed during the summit include ‘Dangers of Drugs and Cultism”, “Dangers of Pre-marital Sex” and “Becoming an Academic Giant.” The theme for the summit was “Maximizing Your Youth.” Special guest who participated in the youth summit to make it a memorable occasion include Dr. Precious Omoruwou, Mr. Aregbor Emmanuel and Comrade Marcus Ekure. The Youth summit was a mega success as attendance massive.
Following the success of the Youth Summit, Salimo-Wits leadership club (SWLC) has been successfully established in thirteen schools across three (3) Local Government Area in Delta State. Each school has at least five (5) SWLC registered members. Indeed, a generation doesn’t make itself. We must nurture our children into the true leaders they have the in-built capacity to become.
Members of Salimo-Wits leadership club gathered on Saturday 30th November, 2019 for a one day entrepreneurial and skill acquisition training program tagged: “Inside Out” for youths in Ijegemo community, Alimosho LGA of Lagos State. The training focused on simple fashion design and beauty crafts, cosmetology and cleaning products business.
The first training session on entrepreneurship was facilitated by a social entrepreneur Mrs. Treasures Uneagbu. She defined entrepreneurship as the process of designing, launching and running a new business, which is often initially a small business. She described an entrepreneur as a person who starts a business and is willing to risk loss in order to make money.
She outlined the four types of entrepreneurship as entrepreneurial organizations; small businesses, scalable startups, large companies and social entrepreneurs. In the words of the speaker, “entrepreneurs are the drivers of the economy of any nation, because they are inventors who invents ideas that translates to products and services to meet human needs.” The speaker enumerated on the importance of entrepreneurship. She charged the youths to become solutions providers and problem solvers. She concluded her session with these words: “Take personal responsibility for your life and who are becoming. What your future will look like is up to you. Shun social vices that will be inimical to your dreams and success in life. Aspire to impact your nation and world.”
The second training session was facilitated by a seasoned psychologist, Olugbenga Coker. He defined drug abuse as the indiscriminate and harmful use of psychoactive substances by self-administration for non- medical purposes such that the physical, mental, emotional and social state of the user is adversely affected. The speaker identified inaccurate Information about dangers of drugs, lack of parental supervision and family background, prevalence of drugs in the community, peer influence and curiosity as some of the reasons why young people abuse drugs. He mentioned truancy and loss of Interest in school work, health-related Problems, criminal activity, violence and lawlessness as some of the consequences of drug abuse. He ended his session by advising the participants to avoid negative peer pressure, choose their friends wisely and lead a life free of drugs and violence.
High point of the event was the training of the participants on various cosmetology and cleaning products such as soap and perfume making, simple fashion design and beauty crafts such as fascinators amongst others. The one-day event was rounded off by 6:45 pm with group photographs. Salimo-Wits Leadership Club (SWLC) training is powered by SALIMO-WITS FOUNDATION, a not-for-profit organization that seeks to build leaders and berth change with global impact.
“Make Wiser Choices—The Ones That Lead Towards Living A More Healthy, Meaningful And Fulfilling Life” – Dan Ekoko
It’s a brand a new week. This week, you will access opportunities that will herald a fresh start for you. People all over the world share several universal experiences. One of the most common of these is choices. Life is made up of choices.
?Almost everything is a choice. We make decisions every day — from seemingly inconsequential choices, to larger ones that have significant impact on our lives. From the choice of what we eat and what we wear, the route we take to our office, etc. Sometimes even the small choices can change the course of our lives. Failure or success is not the result of just one monumental decision. It is the result of a continuous series of every day decisions and choices.
?The Power Is Yours – If You Don’t Like The Circumstances Of Your Life, You Can Create A Better and New One With Your Choices.
It’s not our environment, the people around us, or the conditions of our lives that determine our futures, it’s the personal choices we make or don’t make. You may have grown up in an abusive family, you may be surrounded by negative people, or been victims of crime, extreme poverty, or physical handicaps; it’s the choices we make in the midst of those situations that make the real difference in our lives. Your ability to change your life is directly connected to your ability to make the right choices and to take responsibility for those choices.
?“Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you.” — John C. Maxwell
We are born with the power to create and manifest our future. Our future is determined by the choices we make, don’t make, or leave for others to make for us. There is a famous parable about the power of choice. It goes like this:
An old Cherokee Indian chief is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a fight between two wolves. One is evil—he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.”
He continued, “The other is good—he is joy, peace, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and loving awareness. The same fight is going on inside you — and inside every other person in the world.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
To which the old man simply replied, “The one you feed.”
?The choices we make each day are crucial. They can either empower or dis-empower us. They can lead us into failure, suffering and disillusionment or they can open the door to hope, abundance, success, and wellness. They can move us one step closer to purpose or lead us in the opposite direction.
“You are not the victim of the world, but rather the master of your own destiny. It is your choices and decisions that determine your destiny.” – Roy T Bennett
?Your most valuable Asset is not your Talent! Your most valuable asset is your power to CHOOSE! Here’s a list of criteria that you can use while making a choice:
• Don’t lose focus on your future. Many people tend to make choices based on present events instead of looking to the future. Make your choices of today stay within the goals that you have set for yourself for the future.
• Never allow emotions to sway a decision.
• Get all the facts. Consider as many alternatives as you can so you can make an informed choice.
• Before taking key decisions make sure to take them to God in prayers.
CHOICE = POWER!
Imagine going into a restaurant and asking the waiter, “What am I having tonight?” As ridiculous as that sounds, some of us go through life letting others make choices for us.
The people who enjoy success and happiness are not simply lucky. They are the ones who embrace and use their power to choose. They don’t put their success and well-being in the hands of others. They don’t wait for the government, economy, their parents, spouses, children, friends, bosses or co-workers to make things happen. They choose to be proactive — they forge their own destinies; they write their own scripts and create their own happiness.
?Something to Ponder:
Your choices won’t always guarantee you success, but they will open the door, and each choice you make after that opens the door just a little bit wider. Success will never walk in if you don’t open that door. Success will never walk in if you don’t use your power to choose. It’s your choice. To your success! #MotivationalMonday #PowerOfChoice #YourChoiceMatter #DanEkoko
It’s another Monday again. In the course of last week, I encountered this article by Eric McGrath CEO and co-founder of Driven Leadership, a training and development organization. Hope you are inspired, motivated and empowered.
*Leadership – What Is It?
We know great leaders forge new industries, build great companies and advance social change. But how? Here are 7 Traits every great leader should possess.
♠Great Leaders Start With Why
Great leaders are connected to their “Why”. It is the fuel that drives them in everything they do. You cannot begin to lead without an understanding of who you are. Leaders know who they are and what they believe. This is the foundation of strong character, purpose, and authenticity.
♠Great Leaders Empower Others
A great leader must first become a good servant. A leader’s job, first and foremost, is to help and guide other people to achieve what they want to achieve. Great leaders do not see their employees as inferior. On the contrary, great leaders raise up more leaders.
♠Great Leaders Focus On Solutions, Not Problems
What separates great leaders from the rest is their ability to focus on solutions, rather than problems. No matter how hard you try to avoid it, problems and failures will happen. Great leaders take them in stride. They calm the waters, boost morale and push through.
♠Great Leaders Think Outside The Box
Great leaders challenge the status quo. No matter what others say, they believe the records and statistics, can be broken. They disrupt the natural order of things to find new and better ways of doing things. Great leaders achieve great things because they’re willing to ask questions, be critical and create change where it’s needed. Great leadership is about redefining things, finding new solutions and leading others to bigger and better things. Leadership is about bringing progress and provoking change, none of which can be done from inside the margins of the status quo.
♠Great Leaders Communicate Effectively
Leadership and effective communication go hand in hand. A leader who wants to be influential needs the ability to communicate effectively. Leaders need to be able to communicate clearly with the people around them. They also must be able to interpret other people accurately. In this same arena fall the giving and receiving of feedback.
♠Great Leaders Know Their Team.
Great leaders know each and every member of their team. They are approachable, personable and know the skillset of the individual team member when delegating duties. The great leader sets their team up for success.
♠Great Leaders Lead For A Cause, Not A Promotion.
A great leader focuses their time and energy first to the cause, then to their team and lastly to him or herself. The defining characteristics of leadership fall to integrity, character, initiative, etc. Bad leaders’ step into the spotlight and take credit for the end results. A great leader highlights the work of the team and uses “we” way more than “I”.
♠Finally, take a moment to consider where you are on your leadership journey. Which of the leadership traits do you need to strengthen? Great leaders don’t start by seeking followers, titles or position. Great leaders start by building their leadership traits and skills. A brand-new week full of opportunities awaits you. Be enthusiastic! Be positive! Be Expectant! To your Success! #MotivationalMonday #PersonalLeadership #GreatLeaders #DanEkoko
Welcome to a brand-new week. Great opportunities for growth, success and progress awaits. Be expectant.
?How often do you hear: “That’s how we’ve always done it?” “That’s the way things have always been done.” “This is how our forefathers said it is done.” This week I want to share another interesting story with you. I encountered an interesting story last week. It’s a great story from the military about an Army barracks that had a concrete slab out in front of the entrance. It’s a story about “Outdated Thinking.”
?There was an army barracks that had on its duty roster 4 soldiers to guard at all times a concrete slab in front of the barracks. The soldiers changed shifts guarding the slabs for many years. Different commanders came and went and the tradition continued. After many years, a new commander was assigned to the barracks. Amongst the things he did was asking why things were done the way they were. When he asked why soldiers were guarding the slab, he was told, “We’ve always done it this way. It’s our tradition. Our former commanders instructed us to do that.” The commander was adamant on finding out why.
?He went to the archives to look for answers and he came across a document that had the explanation. The document was very old. It had instructions written by one of the retired commanders who had even passed away. The new commander learnt that over 80 years ago, the barracks wanted to build a platform where events could be performed. When the concrete slab was laid, wild animals walked over it at night before the slab would dry. The soldiers would fix it the next morning but when evening came the same thing would happen. So the commander ordered that 4 soldiers should guard the concrete slab for 3 weeks to allow it to dry.
?The following week the commander was transferred to another post and a new commander was brought in. The new commander found the routine and enforced it and every commander that came did the same. Eighty years later the barracks continued guarding a concrete slab.
?The rest is history…for 80 years the soldiers had been guarding a concrete slab that did not need guarding! Why?… Because “This Is The Way We’ve Always Done It!”
?ARE YOU GUARDING A CONCRETE SLAB? What things are you doing now just because “That’s The Way I’ve Always Done It”?
?Take a look at where you can make some changes in your life. What beliefs are you maintaining that are quite possibly outdated? What beliefs, attitudes, traditions have you carried on that were relevant to certain people or a certain time and they are still being carried out by you? Is your opinion about yourself, people of a different race, the opposite sex, certain business opportunities, new products etc. obsolete?
?Get rid of old baggage and cobweb from your thinking and life. Relieve yourself from some of that “guard duty” that you have been doing for years. Do not be a slave to tradition. Don’t remain stuck to the “This-Is-How-We-Have-Always-Done-It” mentality.
?Status Quo is the way things are, but don’t necessarily have to stay that way. To challenge the status quo is what true living is all about. Simply put, “Nothing stays the same. It’s not supposed to.” To your success!
“Negative thinkers complain and whine about PROBLEMS. Positive thinkers focus their mind, energies and actions on finding SOLUTIONS. “– Dan Ekoko
Last week I shared on the benefits of positive thinking. A positive mental attitude can offer better psychological and physical well-being, decrease depression, reduce stress, enhance relationships, increase chances of success and help you cope better during challenging and difficult times. Today, I want to share tips on how you can improve your positive thinking skills.
Staying positive in today’s world can seem almost impossible with a great deal going on in our lives and around us. But, focusing on negatives and the things that are wrong with our world serves no useful purpose. In fact, it doesn’t help anything. Staying down because you have failed an exam or a job interview doesn’t solve anything. Blaming your parents for whatever error while raising you doesn’t fix what’s broken or make your life and situation better. I always tell people that those who succeed in this world aren’t the ones who don’t encounter obstacles and failures. Rather they are those who respond to obstacles and failures with hope, positive mental attitude and relentless optimism.
▪Here are some tips on how to develop a positive mental attitude:
?Count Your Blessings.
“We are all blessed, but the problem is that some of us count their blessings while others count their struggles, challenges and obstacles.” ― Edmond Mbiaka.
Gratitude allows us to celebrate the present. It magnifies positive emotions. The habit of being grateful is one of the most important life-changing habits we can cultivate. Be grateful and give thanks for the special things in your life rather than taking them for granted. Don’t allow your lacks, the struggles, challenges and obstacles blindfold you from recognizing how blessed you are. Take every opportunity to thank God for the things you have in life, no matter how small or big. It can make all the difference between where you are now and where you want to be.
?Learn To Turn Your Lemons Into Lemonade.
Look for the lessons to be learned in every situation. Whenever things don’t turn out as planned, instead of feeling depressed, do what you can to make the best of the situation. Don’t dissipate energy or waste time on a failed attempt. Learn the lessons and move on. Nobody is perfect. That includes you. You are going to make mistakes and experience setbacks in multiple contexts, in multiple situations and with multiple people. Remember: Successful people turn their failures into lessons.
?Surround Yourself With Positive People.
Spend time with people who are positive and supportive. Find positive friends, mentors and allies who will positively energize you. If you surround yourself with negative and drowning people, they will contaminate you with their negativity and drag you down with them.
?Study The Triumphs And Success Stories Of Others.
“That some achieved great success is proof to all that others can achieve it as well” – Abraham Lincoln
Many successful people have gone through challenging circumstances and adversity to reach where they are. Many overcame odds to reach the peak of their careers. Learning about their failure stories, trials and tribulations can inspire you to achieve that which you choose to achieve. To stay positive, focused and gain momentum, look for motivation in the failure and success stories of others.
▪Turn Challenges Into Opportunities.
Life doesn’t always go smoothly. There is no changing that! There will always be challenges, roadblocks and barriers on our paths. Instead of allowing those challenges stop you from reaching your goals and dreams, turn them into opportunities and ladders. If you see challenges as opportunities to become stronger, wiser and more resilient, you are thinking positively and productively. Positive thinking offers huge and pleasant returns. The more often you practice it, the greater benefits you will realize. As the new week unfolds, remember, that those who succeed in this world aren’t the ones who don’t encounter obstacles and failures. Rather they are those who respond to obstacles and failures with hope, positive mental attitude and relentless optimism. To your success!
Happy new month and welcome to another week. I continue the series I started last week. Today I share on the benefits of positive thinking. Positive thinking is a productive mindset that is important in reaching fullness and success in life. It can change your life in a great number of ways.
Researchers are finding more and more evidence pointing to the
many benefits of positive thinking and optimism. Such findings suggest that not only are
positive thinkers healthier and less stressed, they also have greater overall
well-being. The rewards of positive thinking extend into many areas of life. If
you are not a positive-thinker yet and wonder why you should try positive
thinking yourself, here are some great reasons for you:
▪Positive Thinkers Cope Better
With Stress:
We can’t live without stress and it’s waiting for
us at every corner. Several studies are now revealing that people who have a
positive outlook on life cope with stress faster and more effectively. They are
less subjected to stress as they don’t have a habit of concentrating on
negative thoughts.
▪Positive Thinking
Is Good for Your Health
Not only can positive thinking impact your ability to cope with stress and
improve your immune system. it also has an impact on your overall well-being.
According to experts, health benefits associated with optimism, include reduced
risk of death from cardiovascular problems, less depression, and an increased
lifespan.
▪Positive Thinkers
are More Resilient
Resilience refers to the ability to cope with life issues and events. Positive
thinking can play a major role in resilience. Resilient people are able to
adapt well in the face of crisis, adversity, trauma or tragedy. Rather than
falling apart or giving up, they have the ability to bounce back and eventually
overcome.
▪Positives Thinkers Are More Successful
Positive people tend not to concentrate on their failures, mistakes and setbacks. Instead, they see more life opportunities. They are open to learning and trying something new. That’s why optimistic people are more productive and successful than pessimists.
?A positive attitude and mindset help you cope more easily with the daily affairs and challenges of life. If you adopt it as a way of living, it would bring constructive changes into your life. I close today’s Motivation Monday with this W. Clement Stone quote: “There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” To your success!
As part of efforts to fulfill it’s big goal which is to build leaders and berth change with global impact, Salimo-Wits Foundation has unveiled plans to collaborate with Petra Career and Management Resources to empower over five thousand youths in different locations across the big heart of Nigeria, Delta State.
In a statement released by the foundation through a founding member of the board, Mr Roland Eyetu stated that a large number of students and youths in Delta State are immersed in myriad of anti-social vices and Salimo is geared towards changing these narratives through its various outreach programmes lined up this 2019. The (SOS4) among other objectives will sensitize youths on the dangers inherent in drug abuse, cultism, prostitution and other social vices.
Mr Eyetu further added that “a lot of young people who has participated in the Salimo’s outreach programme in Lagos have gone out to establish something for themselves. We received calls all over the nation from participants that they have never had it like that before hence the need to expand its reach and bring it home. Tagged Save Our Souls for Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions (SOS4). This is the first of its kind in the history of Delta State that students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions will acquire different vocational training skills and leadership orientation free of charge courtesy of Salimo- wits foundation and Petra Career and Management Resources.
The ongoing outreach which commenced earlier in the month of February 2019 in Ughelli Delta State, in March the team will visit schools in Alders Town in Warri , Ifiekporo, Ozoro and climax in Alders town, Warri in October.
View victures from the visit to Ughelli Delta State.
Salimo Wits Foundation to sensitise youths on dangers of drug abuse and other social vices
“Nothing in this world can stop the optimist who believes it can be done and nothing in this world can help the pessimists who believes it can’t be done.” – Dan Ekoko
Welcome to a brand new week. This Monday, I start a three-part series titled: ‘The Power of Positive Thinking.’
▪What
is the power of Positive Thinking?
Positive thinking is a mental and emotional attitude that focuses on the bright
side of life and expects good and favorable results. A person with positive
thinking mentality anticipates success and happy ending in every situation.
?Researchers have found that people who practice positive thinking live longer, live healthier, live happier, have more successful careers, make better decisions, are more productive, are less stressed and have healthier relationships than pessimists. Positive thinkers don’t pretend they can avoid all adversity; instead, they believe they have the power to overcome whatever adversity comes their way. Positive thinkers always remind themselves that every problem is temporary.
?Consider this interesting story on how positive thinking works:
Leke applied for a new job, but he didn’t believe he will get it. He considered himself a failure and unworthy of success. He had a negative attitude toward himself, and therefore, believed that the other applicants were better and more qualified than him. For the whole week preceding the job interview, Leke’s mind was occupied with negative thoughts and fears concerning the job. He actually, anticipated failure.
On the day of the interview, he got up late, and to his dismay he discovered that the shirt he planned to wear was dirty, and the other one needed ironing. As it was already too late, he went out wearing a wrinkled shirt and without eating breakfast. During the interview, he was tense, negative, hungry and worried about his shirt. All this, made it difficult for him to focus on the interview. His overall behavior made a bad impression, and consequently, he materialized his fear and did not get the job.
?Biola applied for the same job too, but approached the matter in a different way. She was sure that she would get the job. During the week preceding the interview, she often visualized herself making a good impression and getting the job. In the evening before the interview, she prepared the clothes she would be wearing, and went to sleep a little earlier. On day of the interview, she woke up earlier than usual, and had ample time to eat breakfast, and then to arrive to the interview before the scheduled time.
Biola made a good impression and got the job. ?What do we learn from these two stories? What did Biola do differently? What made all the difference for Biola?
?Positive thinking is more powerful than most people realize. Positive thinking is a choice. It is a happiness and success magnet. If you stay positive, good results and good things will be drawn to you. You have to take responsibility for your thoughts. No matter what is going on, YOU get to decide whether you want to be positive or negative.
?Positive thinkers never give up, no matter the situation. They never stop believing that there is a way to turn things around. Nothing in this world can stop the optimist who believes it can be done and nothing in this world can help the pessimists who believes it can’t be done. To your success!