By Oyinlola Ayomide, Deborah Iniobong, and Christiana Ikiki
The National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), UNIBEN/UBTH chapter, hosted their much-anticipated inaugural Exclusive Financial Summit at the NAAT Hall, University of Benin on Friday, 11 August, 2023. The event, which aimed to promote financial literacy and transform lives, proved to be a resounding success, attracting a diverse audience from various departments in UNIBEN, and beyond, with a notable participation from the department of Science and Laboratory Technology (SLT).
Although the event was scheduled for 9:00AM, it officially started at 11:21AM, with an opening prayer from Sarah, a student of the Department of Nursing, University of Benin.
Throughout the event, the attendees were treated to a series of enlightening sessions. The anchors, Chimaobi Nwaorisa and Marvellous Stephen acknowledged the various NADESSTU tribes and attendees present, setting the tone for what was to follow.
The Financial Secretary, Comrade Egbu Unique Jesuyome, took the stage at 11:34am to deliver a warm welcome and outline the summit’s goals. The crux of the summit revolved around promoting financial literacy and imparting valuable insights on transforming lives through financial prowess.
The first speaker, Ambassador Ugagaoghene Ogheneyole, was represented by Mr. Peter, who eloquently recounted the ambassador’s journey and shared potential business ventures for students. Ranging from mobile cleaning and errand assistance to utilizing one’s skills in food businesses and car washes, the speech underscored the importance of initiative, courage, and determination as pillars of financial success.
Following the first speaker’s session, Miss Lisa’s engaging song and guitar session added a musical note to the event. Soon after, the CEO of THEARVE presented an airtime giveaway, creating a sense of excitement in the atmosphere.
The necessary break preceded the entrance of the second keynote speaker, Dr. Mrs. Amaka C. Orakwe, Head of the Entrepreneurship Department. She delved into the topic “Entrepreneurship: The Key to Financial Sustainability.” Highlighting entrepreneurship’s essence, Dr. Orakwe cited prominent figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Henry Ford, and Rosin Olorunda, emphasising the vital role of creativity, innovation, and technology in the business landscape. Dr. Orakwe introduced the acronym “VRICT,” buttressing the five quintessential characteristics of entrepreneurs: Visionary, Risk-taking, Innovation, Competitiveness, and Tenacity. This acronym underscored the traits essential for anyone navigating the entrepreneurial world.
As promised, the speaker engaged the audience with a question session, awarding three books to individuals who answered correctly.
Comr. White Isinika, in a networking session, urged attendees to advocate for their brands and underscored the pivotal role of networking in career growth. This led to Mrs. Blessing Ogbomoh’s discourse on Business Ideas for Investment, which championed the notion of starting small as the foundation for success. Subsequently, Bienose Eghosa Godstime and Chioma Peace enriched the event’s atmosphere with their giveaways.
The third speaker, Osayogie Osazuwa Effort, divulged insights on “Mastering Your Finances: A Billionaire’s Fast Lane.” His discourse encapsulated valuable advice for business prosperity, supported by quotes. Effort stressed mentorship, skill enhancement, translating passion into profit, finding accountability partners, acquiring knowledge, and mastering networking.
The NADESSTU Financial Summit, the first of its kind, shed light on financial growth, stability and sustainability, enlightening and educating all present. The closing remark taken by the host was followed by a closing prayer by Miss Sarah at 2:30pm, concluding the summit, which proved an enlightening voyage into financial prowess and life transformation, promising a brighter future for the students of Delta State.
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