The MD/CEO of Zenith Bank PLC, Mr. Jim Ovia presented a paper this morning titled ‘Be the Boss Tomorrow – Empower Yourself With ICT.’ It was a direct and inspiring message to the youth of Nigeria on the way forward to achieving economic freedom. He encouraged the youth to aspire to greater heights and in a very practical way gave them ideas and steps to achieving their goals using the medium of ICT. His presentation focused on 6 major points:
·Youth – know Thy Self
·Who is the Boss
·How to be the Boss
·Be Your Own Boss: The Power Of Positive Thinking
·The Nigerian youth and the digital divide
1.Current ICT spread
2.Wealth Creation
3.Practical Illustrations
·Points to Ponder
Ovia’s presentation first focused on the mindset and attitude of the average Nigerian youth. He told the youths that each one must know himself, discover their strengths and weaknesses and learn to be to be boss of his or herself. He explained practical steps to take in order to be the boss of oneself. “To be the boss, you must think positively.” He explained to participants that attitude is everything. He listed other key ingredients germane to success. These include:
·Commitment – it determines whether you succeed or fail
·Courage – it is needed to undertake an adventure
·See problems as opportunities
·Keep the end result in sight
·Develop the survival instinct
He introduced the youths to the digital divide. His statistical analysis of ICT penetration into the Nigerian market compared the Nigerian telephone industry to internet penetration which is quite underdeveloped. He showed the immense opportunities that abound in the ICT industry globally, showing that the Nigerian ICT industry was still virgin and largely untapped. In a very practical way, he enumerated ways that the youth could tap into this gold mine of opportunities. He concluded by encouraging youth that age is not a barrier to success. He gave examples of world famous men who made waves in the ICT world as youths. The entire presentation was very infor-entertaining (i. e. entertaining and educative) which left many people looking forward to CTO 2007 and any other program Zenith Bank PLC may be involved on youth empowerment.

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