October 2009 Associates

“Those three days at the end of October 2009 will forever linger in my mind, as it marked a turning point in my life. The leadership sessions released a fresh air in my atmosphere and restored my hope that our nation will be great again. That experience will help to shape my future and the choices I make each day. Now I constantly think of how I can help to make life worth living for the generation away.”
Yinka Odeleye, Vice President/Deputy General Manager, Corporate & Investment Banking Gorup, Citibank Nigeria

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend The NLI event.  The seminar content was very valuable in terms of instilling solid values of ethics, leadership and service.  It was inspiring to meet so many leaders in different spheres of influence who are committed to making change in Nigeria. I am confident that this group will go on to do great things in Nigeria.  I appreciate the efforts of the sponsors and other supporters of NLI and I will ensure that the investment is effective by continuing to work towards the advancement of Nigeria.”
Aneto Okonkwo, Technology Analyst for Obama for America Campaign; Member, Obama Presidential Transition Team on Technology

“The NLI seminar was a life changing experience! I have gone from being a passive spectator, to an active change agent! I now feel a part of a larger group of people who are determined to bring change to Nigeria in our generation. Thank you!!”!
Funmi Nwachuckwu, Head of Corporate Planning & Strategy, Aso Savings & Loans, Nigeria

“The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible.” Richard M Devos
“NLI has given me the Will to Try to make things better in Nigeria!”
Hauwa Magoro, Business Development Director, Zibboo! Media Networks, UK

“It was the most productive weekend of my life! The question always arises, who will bear Nigeria’s burden? Finally I have been given the power to say we will. After the 3 day seminar I was empowered, invigorated, inspired and most of all thankful to all of those who made it possible.”
Fatima Zara Isa Modibbo, Medical Doctor, Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria

“There comes a point in the history of societies when a group of people become determinate to alter the course of their common destiny so as to give value to their lives and secure a future for unborn generations. Such a time is often catalyzed by the existence of institutions grounded in faith that progress is possible. Thank you First Bank for bringing together young minds still bubbling with strength and passion, and for creating a powerful atmosphere where our energies can be harnessed and redirected to make our country great. From this moment we are most inexcusable”
Reginald Bassey, Graduate Student, City University of New York (Baruch College)

“The Seminar was a phenomenal opportunity for me to develop values-based leadership skills, learn more about the context in which my leadership is needed, and build valuable relationships with dynamic young leaders.”
Carmelle T. Norice, MD-PHD cabdidate, Columbia University, New York

“A wise man once said that many times it only takes one man to stand up for what is right and all of a sudden, people start popping up from the pavement to assist him.  NLI is that one man for me.  I have been so inspired by NLI, the quality of the programme and my fellow Associates, that I am committed to doing all I can to ensure that its ideals are upheld and its programmes succeed.”
Adesubomi Plumptre, Member of Executive Committee & Head of Consulting, Alder Consulting, Nigeria

“NLI had ruined me for the ordinary, no longer am I content to just sit back and watch others do the work of “fixing Nigeria” I want to be part of the process too. We all have to be part of the process. I used to hear my parents say the person that is going to fix Nigeria is either a child now or has not been born- that was over twenty years ago. So if they were right my generation is the generation to “fix” Nigeria. NLI had provided me with the education and the platform to work with likeminded fellow leaders as we embark upon this task. Many thanks for impacting my life so heavily via NLI.”
Abi Ajisafe, Algorithmic Sales Trader, Investment Technology Group, UK

“NLI has provided me with a unique opportunity, frame work and network to make a positive impact on my country.  I am incredibly impressed by the past achievements of NLI, and am honoured that I am now able to contribute to its future successes, some of which will be a direct result of First Bank’s generosity- without it, our seminar may never have happened!  I am therefore extremely grateful.”
Oyin Solebo, Co-Founder, MIH Investments, UK

“NLI has taught me to stop complaining but ‘do something’! The simple but very powerful paradigm that I can contribute to the desired change in Nigeria right now, with what I have and where I am has changed my life. I have humbly accepted responsibility for making Nigeria great again as though it depended on only me.”
Akin Rotimi, ABLF Young African Leaders Fellow and Co-Founder, African Youth Unite for Change