By Taiye Olayemi
The Eko Boys to Men Association on Friday empowered 88 students from no fewer than 10 Lagos Island schools through a workshop on career development and skill acquisition.
The event, held at Dolphin Senior High School, brought together education experts, professionals and mentors who guided students on navigating future careers with confidence and clarity.
Speakers engaged the students on selecting suitable career paths, developing discipline and acquiring relevant skills required to thrive in Nigeria’s fast-evolving labour market.
The workshop emphasised the importance of adaptability, personal growth and continuous learning as essential tools for success in an increasingly competitive environment.
Participating schools included Eko Akete Senior Grammar School, Boys’ Academy, Dolphin Senior High School, Lafiaji Senior High School and Epetedo Senior High School.
Others were Ebute Elefun Senior High School, Okesuna High School, King Ado Senior High School, Elegbata High School and Isale Eko Senior and Junior School.
Chairman of the association, Mr Effiong Okon, said the initiative was designed to equip young students with the mindset and tools needed for responsible adulthood.
He said the organisation recognised the challenges many students face and wanted to provide early guidance that could shape their ambitions and future decisions.
Okon was represented by Mr Henry Shofowora, Chairman of the association’s Membership and Welfare Committee, who delivered the chairman’s message at the event.
He said the programme aimed to nurture Lagos Island students into confident and value-driven young men capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
According to him, mentorship remained a vital force in helping young people discover their abilities and prepare for real-world demands.
He said early exposure to experienced professionals could transform the thinking and behaviour of students, especially in communities with limited career guidance.
Okon said the mentorship series, now in its fourth edition, had reached more than 400 students across Lagos Island since its launch.
He said the programme was created to address pressing developmental needs by providing motivation, career support and structured guidance to young people.
He noted that the initiative also covered emotional intelligence, personal development and professional communication as essential life skills.
He added that these skills were important for students who must navigate tough environments while preparing for future leadership roles.
Okon said the association wanted students to understand that success was possible regardless of their background or community.
He noted that many association members now held leadership roles in global companies, proving that Lagos Island youths could achieve international excellence.
He also emphasised inclusiveness, saying girls from mixed schools were now part of the initiative to ensure both genders benefitted equally.
Okon said the association was working with the education district to introduce hands-on skill acquisition sessions once full-day access to students was secured.
He said the group was also partnering with community leaders across Lagos Island constituencies to extend support to young people outside formal schooling.
A Lagos public servant, Mr Layeni Aliu, said skill acquisition and personal development were essential for achieving meaningful success in today’s competitive workforce.
Aliu said young people needed practical and impactful skills that could open new opportunities and make them more employable in diverse fields.
He noted that relevant skills strengthened creativity, improved problem-solving abilities and helped young people build confidence and independence.
Aliu said effective career development required self-discovery, goal-setting and mentorship from experienced professionals who could offer accurate guidance.
He warned students against abandoning academics for vocational skills, saying both must be pursued together to provide balance and stability.
Aliu advised students to begin with simple skills, improve gradually and use academic breaks to deepen their competencies.
Addressing challenges, he urged them to resist peer pressure, avoid distractions and remain disciplined in pursuing their long-term goals.
He said maintaining focus would help them overcome environmental pressures and stay committed to their academic and personal growth.
Principal of Dolphin Senior High School, Mrs Comfort Agunlejika, urged students to avoid cultism, drug abuse and street violence and instead focus on their education.
She said good behaviour, discipline and academic commitment remained essential ingredients for a successful future.
She encouraged students to make wise choices, stay dedicated to learning and take full advantage of programmes designed to support their growth. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
