By Elizabeth Ikegima
The second edition of the 2023 West Africa Regional Conference (WARC) took place on October 27, 2023, at Kashco Services, Abuja, Nigeria. The conference boasted a total of approximately 17 participants, including Campus Presidents and Local Coordinators.
Led by Kelechi Lawrence, the National Coordinator for the South East and Northern Region, and Oluwatosin Ogundeyi, the National Coordinator for the Southwest and South South Region, the team convened for a one-day conference to immerse themselves in the mission and values of Students For Liberty (SFL). Ruth Okim Bassey, CEO of Let’s Speak Africa and Chapter President of SFL University of Calabar, skillfully facilitated the event.
In the first session, Oluwatosin Ogundeyi elaborated on what it means to be an effective Local Coordinator, delving into the significance of leadership, the core values of Students For Liberty (SFL), and the steps to becoming a star leader. The second session, conducted by Eric Mobu, the Regional Coordinator for SFL, covered topics such as recruitment, expansion, group creation, and group management. Practical advice and tips on building and maintaining successful groups within the organization were shared. During one of the sessions, Bayonle Fesobi, Community Mobilizer for LOTF, SFL, shed light on the various types of events at SFL and the steps to hosting an event. Fesobi emphasized the pivotal role of ideas, underscoring that they have the power to shape the world, but it takes people to turn them into reality. He also provided insights for being an effective advocate for freedom.
Abdullah Tijani, a Prometheus Fellow of Students For Liberty (SFL), discussed the concept of social entrepreneurship and the process of identifying and addressing social issues. In a session on SFL’s gamification program, Oluwadamilola Adepoju, SFL’s African Programs Associate, engaged participants not only on the assigned topic but also on issues related to effective participation. The session encouraged interactive participation, with attendees sharing their experiences and asking questions about overcoming challenges. Adepoju also provided clear instructions on how to obtain reimbursements and Gamification points for completing tasks.
Anna Seburu, Alumni Engagement Associate at Students For Liberty (SFL), spoke to the participants about personal branding and its significance in today’s world. She emphasized that everyone possesses a personal brand and that branding is a way to define one’s values and attract others. She also stressed the importance of branding for creating a positive image that can leave a lasting impression. Sanni Johnson, a Cryptocurrency expert, delivered a presentation on cryptocurrency and its potential to transform the world. He explained the fundamental concepts of cryptocurrency and its real-world applications. Johnson also discussed the benefits of cryptocurrency, including its potential to reduce poverty and increase economic opportunities, urging participants to explore the technology’s potential for societal benefit. In another session, Chidera Ezeokoli spoke about African Liberty and the organization’s goals and mission. He led an interactive activity where participants shared short sentences to tell stories.
In addition to the seminars, the event featured open mic sessions where participants showcased their talents in music, history, spoken word, and more. As described by many participants, the experience was truly memorable.
As the event drew to a close, Linda Kavuka, also known as Mama Africa, shared her personal story of how she decided to make a difference in her community after experiencing hunger, drought, and starvation. She encouraged participants to be the best representatives of their countries and to use Students For Liberty (SFL) as a platform for positive change, stating, “SFL can change your life, depending on how you see it and how you position yourself.” Kavuka emphasized the importance of passion and dedication, expressing that SFL has invested in the participants and believes in their potential, saying, “We’ve seen something in you, we’ve invested in you, do not let us down.”
In a post-conference interview, several participants shared their thoughts about the event. They expressed their appreciation for the learning opportunities and new connections they had made. “The retreat was remarkable. I was reminded of the ideals of liberty. It was even more beautiful to share them with libertarians of varying cultures and backgrounds.”, said Oluwatosin Adojutelegan, one of the participants. Another participant, Dunbe Birsan said, “I am greatly honoured to be part of the 2023 ASFL Local Coordinator’s retreat and WARC. This has given me the opportunity to learn more about the ideas of liberty and how to promote them in my locality. I hope to take these great libertarian ideas across. It was a pleasant experience filled with information, recreation, and impact. Thank you, African Students for Liberty, for this wonderful opportunity!”