Mariam Akinloye
It was another successful and inspiring Career Day outing for the pupils of Local Government Primary School, Ipakodo in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ikorodu Division of Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, as they shown what they could become if they set their minds at them and work tenaciously towards achieving their goals.
Pupils of the school, many of them who are special children, were dressed as Doctors, Lawyers, Nurses, Engineers and Teachers among other careers and professions. The purpose, according to the organisers, Auntie Lola Foundation, is to encourage and inspire them to aim high and work towards the career of their choice.
The 2023 edition of the initiative, which started last year, was held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, while about 100 pupils participated.
Mrs Mabodu Ololade, a teacher and founder, Auntie Lola Foundation, said that the initiative is aimed at giving the pupils exposure and encourage them to see their future, today.
She added that the foundation, which operates as a non – profit making body, also encourages book reading among children and members of the public generally.
“Auntie Foundation is a non – profitable organization that is keen about the development of children, and wants the best for them. We engage them through career day, vocational training and financial literacy and book reading. Today’s event was awesome. It turned out to be a great and memorable one. It can only get better. From the first edition last year to this year’s, it was impressive and knowledgeable”, Mrs Mabodu said.
“Career day event is an exposure and an experience where children get to see themselves in the future and are encouraged to work towards it. We brought in a nurse, lawyer, an entrepreneur and other professionals. The idea is for the children to choose any of these professionss, and be mentored by the invited professionals”, she explained.
“This would encourage them to aspire and pursue their dream of also attaining same height. It is an exposure for them”.
She warned parents against imposing their will on their children in respect of future career, while also charging the pupils not to relent in pursuing their future aspirations and do everything to achieve them.
“Parents need to see their children happy with their choice of career. Imposing a career on children is quite a very bad idea for any parent. What they should be doing is to be a guide and torchlight for these children. They do not need to impose on them, knowing fully well that their happiness is more important than their own”, she said.
“I charge the children never to relent. They can be who and what they want to be only if they put their hearts and minds to it”.
Earlier, the Chairman of the, lkorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Mr Lukman Erogbogbo, in his opening remark, said that he was attending the programme despite his tight schedules, because the pupils are special and are the future of Ikorodu.
“We are happy to be with you today. I must tell you that l came because of you; because you are so special; you are so important that I have to cancel many schedules to be here”, he said.
“You are so special because you are the greater tomorrow. We have lawyers, teachers, doctors, nurses and those who can work with their beautiful hands, among you.
“Our tomorrow will be great because you are our tomorrow, and we are confident that you will be great. The most important thing for you is to learn and take advantage of where you are today. Take advantage of whatever things that come your way and ensure that you are not limited to any single thing, because you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. My prayers is that the purpose of God for you will come to pass, will come to fruition and you will attain your destiny”.
The IKODASS Chairman also appreciated the organisers of the programme for sustaining the initiative, and assured the foundation of continuous support and collaboration from IKODASS.
He equally appreciated teachers in the school for impacting on the students.
“On behalf of the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS) of which I am the chairman, I want to really appreciate the organizers of today’s event, the Auntie Lola Foundation, which has been doing this over the years. I want to tell you without any shadow of doubt, that this is just the beginning. We will collaborate with you; we will ensure that we run this vision with you to achieve success at every point that you find yourself. Thank you very much.
Mrs Ebere, a fashion designer, speaking with the pupils, said that they must have passion and be creative to excel as a fashion designer.
“Aside having a passion for it, you must have learned about the trade. There are schools that you can attend as well as professionals operating in their shops where you can learn the profession for six months, a year or two, depending on the level you want to go.
“You can also learn on your own, especially on the YouTube.
“Yes, there are tailors everywhere, but there are differences between a tailor and a fashion designer. A tailor is anybody that you see on the road with their scissors, but fashion designers are different because we can create things that tailor cannot make.
“We turn ugly fabrics into something amazing. We make wedding dresses, bags and many things that are beautiful”, she said.
A nurse, who spoke about nursing, Mrs Eden Thomas, interacting with the pupils, said that anyone willing to be a nurse must study the course in a School of Nursing or a University.
She said that a nurse is a care – giver who always stays by the patients and administers drugs and other support. She added that they make hospital work go smoothly.
She showed the pupils equipment like thermometer, blood pressure, purse oximeter and stethoscope, and explained their functions.
Mrs Eyitayo Mojisola, Desk Officer for Guidance and Counseling, said that the society will encounter lesser problems if children are cared for.
She also stated that special children are special gifts from God, and that they deserved special attention.
Also at the programme are Mrs Osisanya Awulat, Head Teacher, LG Primary School, Ipakodo and Mr Animahun, an executive member of IKODASS among others.
