By Florence Israel, Abuja
It was a standing ovation at the British Council office in Abuja for NTA’s Eugenia Abu and two other professionals in the creative industry, Chioma Ogbozor and Simi Fajemirokun as they shared their experiences in climbing up the ladder of the Creative Industry in Nigeria during the Creative Hustle Seminar organized by the British Council on Thursday.
The seminar tagged “Creative Hustle – Opportunities For Young Professional Women In The Creative Industry” attracted a large audience of young women across the Federal Capital Territory who believes in the future of the sector in Nigeria.
Speaking to the elated crowd, Mrs Eugenia Abu while sharing her experiences advised the young women to be more cautious and learn to pay more attention to developing themselves rather than dressing their bodies.
“Don’t do your body, it can only take you as far as the bed. Do your brain, it can make you the President of Nigeria. You need to have a functional brain in your head. Pay attention to all you can learn. Work over and beyond the call of duty. Research to be on top of your game. Read. Research. Read. Take up every assignment with dedication, passion, deep-seated hunger to learn. Be tried, tested and proved by your superiors. You can make your space matter”, she admonished.
She went further to educate the youths to learn to be ready at all times and to widen their horizon.
“Be ready at all times. Think small but look at the bigger picture. Understand whom you are. Dress the path and turn up for respect so you can be taken seriously. Act the path. Be the Boss. Do the job. Choose your battles and be kind to your staff and colleagues. Hold on to your Faith and your God, keep your family front at peace and be ready when the opportunity knocks”, she advised.
Another of the speakers, Simi Fajemirokun advised the youths not to wait but to create their own opportunities.
“In the last seven years I have been in this industry, I can’t ever remember anytime opportunity knocked on my door. I create them. There is no shortage of ideas, but there could be shortage of courage. If you are so good, you can’t be ignored. The future must be designed. Do a vision board. Keep it where you would see it. Build relationships. Be intentional about building an ecosystem around you. Ask questions about people and learn to align with their needs”.
Chioma Ogbozor told the youths to share their ideas and expand their coasts by volunteering to offer their services first freely before placing monetary attachments as it helps sale ideas faster and create more room of exposure for the person involved.
“Don’t look for the big offices to offer your ideas. Start off small. Volunteer to offer your services free at first. Hold on to your passion, time and energy, they are resources too great to lose. Learn to align with others, the future is mobile. You are your chief marketer”, she said.
