October 2010 Associates

I found this NLI experience to be quite rewarding. I learned a lot from the moderators and from my class members. The seminar was an invaluable experience which allowed me to come together with fellow future leaders of like minds who are just as passionate as I am for a better Nigeria. Through the readings and discussions I feel that I am now empowered and equipped with the skills and team of associates to contribute to make a difference in our nation and the Nigerian people. This seminar came at the right time when I was making a decision to continue to pursue my dream of working towards a better Nigeria and I will forever cherish this experience.
Tomi Ademokun, Africa Development Community Organization (ADCO) NGO – Founder and CEO

“It was engaging, interactive and certainly helpful. The facilitators and fellow participants threw in the weight of their experience in bringing the Nigerian story and challenges into proper perspective. It was a balance of fun, facts and fruitful admonitions.I was energized”
Deola Kayode, Consultant, Teleios Consulting and President, New Nigeria Club

The seminar was intense, exciting and enlightening. It was very inspiring to have a mix of experienced professionals who had worked in Nigeria as our moderators – they helped me to greatly understand the dynamics at play in the Nigerian context. The diverse talent pool of the associates in my class was greatly beneficial as we were able to assess issues from many perspectives. I have always had a passion for Nigeria’s development, but participating in the Future Leaders Seminar provided much needed confirmation that a new Nigeria is possible in my generation.
Adun Okupe, PhD Researcher, Tourism and Development in Emerging Economies, University of Surrey

NLI is an Amazing Awakening! The 3 days was the bomb. I have always believed and have faith that change will come and it has definitely started with NLI. I am so inspired and spurred to be involved in the change that we need in my organization(First Bank) and Nigeria. I will participate and do all I can to make naija a better place for all of us. I love this country and truly wish everything will come out right, starting with visionary, great and selfless leaders. RSVP it is for me and all around me. The facilitators were also great. Thank you NLI!!
Safiya Musa, Relationship Manager, First Bank, Nigeria.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect at the NLI summit and ‘ I met the unexpected’. I was opportuned to have met young individuals who share the same passion for a new Nigeria. We are in a country where everything that can go wrong has gone unimaginably wrong. However, the NLI platform/forum reawakened the desire that all hope is not lost. We are the future leaders of Nigeria and we will ensure that the country takes its rightful place as the Giant of Africa.

A country built on honesty and integrity, whose strength are its human resources, whose values are not misplaced or lost, whose political environment is the envy of the international communities and whose future lies in my hands, our hands. Thank you NLI for showing me that we are the hope of tomorrow.
Shola Shobowale, First Bank, Nigeria

I usually describe myself as a “pessimistic realist”. For me, the glass is not “half-empty” or “half-full,” I just don’t want to spill any of the water! I have always looked at Nigeria as to having huge potential, but always felt frustrated regarding giving our stunted growth and development compared to under countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. The seminar afforded me a better understanding of what events led us to this point, and from that evolved a better appreciation of the issues facing us today and possibilities going forward. Even though it’s not crystal clear what steps are required to move our country forward, at least I have a better understanding of the role I need to play as a citizen of Nigeria.

The seminar also presented an invaluable opportunity to interact with like-minded peers who shared different but insightful perspectives and solutions to the challenges our country faces. Our moderators did not only assist in guiding the discussions, but leveraged their own experiences and to further enrich the experience. I also appreciated the networking experience, and I know that over those three days I developed a few friendships that will definitely go the distance.
Bayo Adeyemi, ChapelHill Denham

Enlightening! Learnt so much about Nigeria in 2+ days; became much more aware of my own responsibilities towards a better Nigeria.
Tope St. Matthew-Daniel, First Bank Nigeria.