Kunle Adelabu & Wale Jagun
-Holds maiden retreat in Imota
A group of professionals and community builders under the aegis of the Achievers’ Crew, at the weekend gathered to appraise themselves and improved members’ capacity in personal developments, financial management and community engagements.
The retreat, which held at the luxurious N.S. Sho Hotel, Imota, between Friday, May 31 and Sunday, June 2, 2024, was themed, “Unleashing The Power Within”, with Dr (Otunba) Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Permanent Member, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB), Dr. Olumide Metilelu, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and Dr Nurudeen Oshinlaja, a researcher with Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom, as guest speakers.
Mr Gbenga Odunniyi, Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), Achievers’ Crew, in his opening remarks, appreciated the speakers and the Chairman, Imota LCDA, for honouring the invitation to the retreat and also commended Achievers’ members for their commitments.
He said that the idea behind the retreat was to open members’ minds to financial management and increase their capacity towards community engagements.
“The purpose of gathering ourselves for this retreat is simple. As a group, we deemed it fit to create a perfect environment like this for us to discuss, learn unlearn and relearn. This is a way of sharing knowledge amongst ourselves and with our resource persons.
“This is an avenue to open our eyes to the world and exhibit our potentials and correct our shortcomings.
“We also want to imbibe financial discipline, especially in our challenging economy. We want to know about investment, plan for our future and retirement plan for those that are in paid employment, and plan for old age.
“It is also our plan to learn from seasoned administrators and community developers how more we can contribute more to the society. Although, we are all into community development, but we want to take that to another level.
“This is why the retreat is themed, “Unleashing The Power Within”. We believe that we have the capacity, the energy and tenacity to do beyond what we are doing presently, but if there is no mentor or persons to gear us more, we might not be able to unleash the powers within us, thus this retreat”.
Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Wasiu Adekunle Agoro, welcomed members of the Achievers’ Crew and guests to Imota, and commended members of the group for considering Imota for the retreat.
He was represented by the Vice Chairman of the council, Hon. Sunday Benson.
The Council Chairman said that holding the maiden retreat in Imota, was a positive sign that the Irepodun which unified Ijede, Igbogbo and Imota as propagated by the likes of Baba Olorunfunmi Basorun, Hon. Afolabi Oredoyin, Baba Amusa and others, is still very much alive.
He said that the administration of Hon. Agoro, under which he served, has been a moving train in the development of Imota for the past seven years.
The Chairman took members of the Achievers’ Crew through the composition of Imota community, its traditional institutions, political composition, social and economic structures among others.
While charging the group to be good family men, he added that they must keep their focus and work together in peace and harmony and productively develop themselves.
The council boss also enjoined them on the need to continue to make themselves relevant in their community and political circle.
Dr Saheed Ibikunle, Permanent Member, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), who presented the keynote lecture, commended members of the Achievers’ Crew for the laudable initiative in bringing themselves together not only for personal development, but also for the progress and advancement of group and the community.
“I am thrilled to be here today at this wonderful retreat organized by a group of ambitious and talented young individuals like yourselves. The theme of our gathering, “Unleashing The Power Within,” represents a call to action for each of us to tap into our full potential, to ignite the spark of greatness that lies dormant within us, waiting to be unleashed”, he said.
“Today, we are here for a purpose – to enhance our individual skills, to foster strong relationships, and to gain valuable knowledge in financial investment and community engagement. These are pillars upon which we can build successful and fulfilling lives, both personally and professionally.
“Let us begin by exploring the concept of unleashing the power within. Each of us possesses a unique set of talents, skills, and passions that are waiting to be harnessed and directed towards achieving our goals. By understanding ourselves better, setting clear objectives, and taking consistent action, we can unlock our full potential and make a positive impact in the world”.
He charged that the group must take cognizance of and encourage members that exhibit traits in Leadership Potential, Creativity and Innovation, Entrepreneurial Skill, Empathy and Social Awareness, Technical and Analytical Skills and Communication and Public Speaking, to develop these potentials for the goodness of the crew and the community at large.
“By identifying and nurturing these potentials in various youths within the organization, we can ignite their greatness and unleash the power within them to create a positive impact in their personal and professional lives. Together, we can cultivate a culture of empowerment, growth, and excellence that will propel the organization and its members towards success and fulfilment”, Dr Ibikunle said.
The keynote speaker, who is also the Special Adviser to Senator Tokunbo Abiru on Constituency Matters, also charged members on skill development, building strong relationships and financial management in securing members’ future.
“Skill development is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a growth mindset. As professionals, it is essential to continuously learn and adapt to new challenges in the fast-paced world we live in. By honing our skills, whether they are technical, interpersonal, or leadership-related, we can position ourselves for success and stand out in our chosen fields.
“Building strong relationships is another key component of personal and professional growth. Human connections are the foundation upon which businesses are built, ideas are shared, and communities thrive. By cultivating meaningful relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual support, we can create a network of allies and mentors who will help us navigate the complexities of the modern world.
“Financial investment is a critical aspect of securing our future and building wealth over time. By understanding the principles of investing, managing risk, and setting financial goals, we can make informed decisions that will lead to long-term financial stability and independence. Investing in ourselves, in our education, and in our future is the best investment we can make”.
Speaking on community engagement, which is also a cardinal point of the group, Dr Ibikunle said that contributing and impacting the community positively bring about a better society for all and generations yet unborn.
He charged members to use the opportunity of the retreat to reflect on their goals in life and take actions towards attainment.
“Community engagement is the final piece of the puzzle. As professionals and leaders, we have a responsibility to give back to our communities, to contribute our time, resources, and expertise to causes that matter to us. By engaging our communities, volunteering, and supporting local initiatives, we can make a positive impact and create a better world for future generations.
“I urge each of you to embrace the theme of today’s retreat – “Unleashing The Power Within.” Take this opportunity to reflect on your goals, aspirations, and dreams, and commit to taking action towards realizing them. By enhancing your skills, fostering strong relationships, and gaining valuable knowledge in financial investment and community engagement, you will set yourself on a path towards personal and professional success”.
A former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Dr Olumide Metilelu, speaking on the sub – theme of the retreat, “Roadmap to Financial Freedom – The Need To Examine Your Potentials”, charged members of the crew on developing skill for entrepreneurship and financial freedom.
“The foundation for personal growth lies with you – no one can or will do it for you. The power within you remains dormant unless it is put into action”, he said.
“Every individual possesses a unique set of talents, strengths, and capabilities. The power inside you is the culmination of your experience, skills , knowledge and the reservoir of untapped potential that resides within it”.
While emphasizing that entrepreneurship philosophy is key business realization, Dr Metilelu said that “success depends on one’s willingness to work hard and accept responsibility for one’s problems and position in society.
He added that individuals derive power from their own actions and not from the action of others. He charged members of the Achiever’s Crew to always emphasize their strengths and down play their weakness.
Speaking on financial freedom, the speaker charged members to always find need to fill first, then, problem to solve and follow by solutions. Thereafter, he advised on the need to focus on customers and invest sweat/fund equity in their businesses.
He charged Achievers on the need to have vision, success model, plan and strategies to achieve their visions.
Why stating that the crew must sustain the discussion, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor advised his audience to plan for their retirement.
“Have a steady means of livelihood (work) after your retirement, so that you can ‘chop’ to enjoy life in abundance. The hybrid of these words is workshop. Think of creating your workshop (business) guarantees your future.
“Take a business decision, find a mentor, read books of successful and failed businessmen.
A member of the Achievers’ Crew and researcher with the Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom, Dr Nurudeen Oshinlaja, in his own presentation on “The Art of Mastering Effective Use of Resources”, commended the group’s leadership and members for coming together to advance members’ cause.
“I first draw your attention to a significant aside: our diversity and excellence. Diversity is not only about race, colour, religion, etc, but also about varied experience, ability and capability. In Achievers Crew, we have leadership that works through every member with openness and self-controlled freedom.
“It is always about synergy. Some contribute more, others contribute less and it does not matter. What is important is that we all contribute one way or another. We interact with gratitude, respect, conviviality, happiness, and grace. We put no pressure on ourselves.
Why charging his audience on effective use of resources, Dr Oshinlaja called for effective time, team and task management.
Speaking on financial resources, he said that Achievers’ Crew, “must understand all opportunities and possibilities of financial resources (be aware, it involves a steep learning curve). One must understand their income and expenses. One must optimise their financial standing”, he said.
“Use budgeting (this should not be a one-time action but a continuous process of engaging with your expenditure habits every day. Cut/minimise your debts (this is easier said than done, for those who are stuck in debts. The steps are: start by paying off smaller debts; save your leftover money; avoid any new debt, use the eventual big saving to pay off your bigger debts and post-pone unbudgeted payments/outflows”.
Aside the business session where members of the crew have the opportunity to benefit from resource persons wealth of experience, they also engaged in pool and house parties, aerobics and special visit to the former representative of Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. Saka Nurudeen Solaja, for an interactive session
Also joining the retreat are Comrade Kuti Dare, former NAIDS President, Comrade Abdulsallam Tijani, President, Igbogbo Students’ Union (ISU), Rt. Hon. Abdulateef Balogun, Speaker of the Parliament ISU, among others.
