EFFURUN/Nigeria: Teenagers and young people have been encouraged to embrace integrity, lifelong learning and responsible decision-making as the Initiative for Community and Moral Values (ICMV) marked the third anniversary of its Teens and Youth Quarterly Mentorship Programme in Ugbolokposo.
The event, held at the Word of Life Bible Church Hall, brought together participants, mentors and stakeholders for discussions on leadership, character development and the choices young people make in an increasingly complex society. The anniversary edition was themed, “Winning Against the Odds: Making Positive Choices in a Complex World.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Initiator of Like the Stars Initiative, Mrs. Bamidele Ayobami, said the decisions young people make today will play a significant role in shaping their future.
She urged participants to cultivate discipline, pursue continuous learning, build healthy relationships and develop skills that would enable them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. She also encouraged them to take advantage of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), while remaining focused on long-term goals rather than the pursuit of quick success.
Ayobami stressed the importance of character, purpose and self-identity, advising participants to remain open to constructive correction and intentionally associate with mentors and peers who inspire excellence.
She further encouraged the youths not to allow difficult circumstances to define their future but to remain committed to achieving their goals through resilience, hard work and purposeful living.
Chairman of the occasion and Founding Executive Director of the Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI), Amb. Pst. Edewor Egedegbe, commended ICMV for sustaining the mentorship initiative over the past three years.
He urged participants to uphold integrity, remain resilient in the face of challenges and recognise that consistency, discipline and sound moral values remain essential to achieving lasting success.
Speaking at the event, Convener and Founding Executive Director of ICMV, Amb. Mrs. Stella Odika, thanked the keynote speaker, facilitators, volunteers, parents, partners and participants for supporting the programme.
She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to mentoring teenagers and young people through initiatives aimed at promoting ethical leadership, responsible citizenship and positive social values.
The programme also featured an interactive session during which participants asked questions, shared personal experiences and reflected on their aspirations, with facilitators providing guidance on practical approaches to personal growth and leadership.
The anniversary programme formed part of ICMV’s ongoing mentorship initiative designed to equip young people with the knowledge, values and life skills required to become responsible citizens and positive contributors to their communities.
