Army of Change Makers Forum
What was initially a dream became a reality on Saturday, 13 April 2013 when 25 young Nigerian professionals and change makers in their respective communities gathered at the MRA/Initiatives of Change (IofC) Nigeria centre in Lagos to learn about the work of IofC and to sharpen their networking skills. The forum was tagged: Army of Change Makers.
This was made possible by the doggedness of Victor Gotevbe and his commitment to see a more vibrant IofC involving more youth. Gotevbe was the only Nigerian delegate to the IofC Workshop for Africa’s initial six weeks intensive training on Ethical Leadership in South Africa.
The event opened officially with the Nigerian National anthem, followed by a warm welcome address by Barrister Abiodun Owoseni, General Secretary of Council of Management, IofC/MRA Nigeria, and member of the IofC International Council. Thereafter, every one present introduced themselves. Gotevbe then led and facilitated a training session on Leveraging Networks for Positive Impact.
An icebreaker prepared the next session by Barrister Owoseni, who excitedly shared the vision of IofC and its origins in the life of Frank Buchman, initiator of Moral Re-Armament (MRA), now known as Initiatives of Change. He gave an overview of Initiatives of Change and simultaneously challenged all to continually remain selfless in their service to humanity.
Mrs Fischer, a member of the Council of Management of IofC/MRA Nigeria, also told stories from her experience as a politician and how she has tried to live with integrity while pursuing her dream to make Nigeria a better society. Shortly after, questions were raised which stimulated discussions on how to make the activities of MRA/IofC more visible in Nigeria while still being committed to the vision of Frank Buchman.
The change agents were very eager to share in the excitement to get things started immediately but Gotevbe reminded them of the need to apply what he called 'Festina Lente' meaning 'Hasten Slowly'. Barrister Owoseni assured them that there is a lot to be done and that in the coming weeks everyone who expressed their willingness to volunteer with the network will be very much part of the activities.
The meeting ended with a tour of the Centre’s facilities while networking continued. Each person left the venue with a media kit containing a copy of Frank Buchman's Secret, authored by Peter Howard and Which Way Nigeria? (a publication of MRA/IofC Nigeria).
Please see the link to the pictures on Facebook:
Also, below are some of the testimonials outside of those who called on phone to make positive remarks about the forum:
The meeting was of maximum impact and also a great opportunity to know about MRA/IofC and their amazing works.
Isaac Success
Youth Passion Initiative (YPI)
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Dear Victor,
Top of the day to you. Your mail was well received. I must tell you that I am still inspired and elated to meet your team. I look forward to hearing from you as you have said. And I won't hesitate to apply myself to any useful work you are doing.
Best Regards
Nneka Mercy-charis Onyenwe
Backup and Disaster Recovery Specialist
BOCH
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My boss at the top,
Thank you very much for this wonderful job.
I must appreciate you for life.
Regards,
Christogonus .C.Ibe,
Executive Director/Founder,
African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention (AYICRIP)
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Greetings and thanks for inviting me over to such an event. Would appreciate been notified of the meetings held at the place, third Saturdays I guess. Also, will suggest, a contact list of those who attended to be made and sent to each persons who came for the program to enable the networking grow better and strong. Like their emails, full names and contact mobile numbers, with this everyone keeps in touch.
Chukwuemeka Obijiaku
Reel Football Services International
Good afternoon sir,
I thought I entered it; sorry about that.
The forum was really worth the while. I'll never forget that MY NETWORK IS MY
NETWORTH.
I think I'm beginning to place value on friends and professional ties, especially with the people I meet in the course of my job. I actually used to consider some level of networking as BOOT-LICKING. You really opened-up my eyes......THANK YOU!!!!
Josephine Igbinovia
Vanguard Media Limited
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Being an agent of change in a constantly agravated environment like Nigeria is one heavy task for any single individual no matter how rich or intellectual. MRA IofC offered me and a lot others an opportunity to collaborate for change which not only made the work easier but simplier. Thanks IofC Nigeria for helping us bring change"
I hope that does it sir.
Bethel Williams Okezie
President, Foresight Initiatives