The Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) and a grassroot initiative, TEDx, recently organised a youth programme to inspire the young minds in achieving their potential.
The programme, termed TEDx NTIC Abuja Youth, was inspired by the notion of spreading valuable ideas to inspire its student community by featuring a lineup of speakers and students who possess the ability to kindle the flames of greatness.
The theme for this year’s inaugural edition is ‘IGNITE,’ and it conveyed the idea of igniting inspiration, passion, and motivation for positive change.
The event also exposed young minds to distinguished personalities in their chosen fields, who coaxed the audience to make their own artwork and their very own idea.
At the event, the former director general of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu, who worked for the American car company General Motors, said the world is changing very dynamically and there are lots of new opportunities and technologies that can be used to enhance lives of the people.
“Nigerian youth should be very aware of these technologies. So, I always love to inspire young Nigerians and let them know that they can make a difference and every one of them is special, with a special talent, understand what that talent is, work hard to develop it and use it for the betterment of Nigeria, Africa and the world.
“Programmes like this can create incredible impact in the lives of children because it’s all about psycho, the way a person thinks. Like I said we are all blessed with certain talents but the key is really the way the psychological state of mind articulates to succeed.
“Once we get our young Nigerians to ascend that way nothing is impossible they can be part of the solution. I think anything is doable by the grace of God and platforms like this are very crucial,” he added.
Also speaking, Nigeria former sprinter, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, who won the bronze medal in the 4 × 100 m relay at the 1992 Olympic Games and in the 200 m at the 1996 Olympic Games emphasised the need to open the door for our children to discover their given talents at early age.
Onyali also shares her winning mentality to the children while encouraging them to be committed in achieving their dreams.
Earlier, the Managing Director of NTIC, Fevzullah Bilgin, in his welcome address said TEDx is a celebration of ideas worth spreading, diverse voices inspiring and igniting the fire of innovation.
He noted that it is an event that showcases different ideas and innovations, saying the theme ‘IGNITE,’ focuses on sparkling the light and illuminating thinking and resuscitating the children’s discovery mode.
He charged the children to embrace the genuity of the speaker’s experience, thoughts and perspectives; identify what they need to start acting on and those they need to stop.
“Let us collectively make the world a better place to stay after TEDx NTIC Abuja youth- Ignite. Get set to absorb wisdom! An open mind is the key to igniting new ideas and possibilities. Remember, the true magic of TEDx happens not just on this stage but in the conversations that will unfold during the breaks, in the corridors, and beyond these walls.”
Some of the young minds and alumni of the school also presented speeches dwelling on their success stories and the future ahead of them.
Abdulkadir Abdullahi Adamu, who graduated from NTIC Abuja 2012 and Middlesex University in 2015, currently Managing Director of Coneli Engineering Limited, a company he founded to develop solutions to Nigeria’s unique challenges and impact millions of live, said urged the students to be humble in seeking for help.
Also, Fiona Lovatt is a New Zealand poet and teacher who has been based in northern Nigeria since 2011 enlightening the students on ways of igniting the fire in them.
On his part, Nour Elsharnoby, a student of NTIC Abuja boys school who speaks about the Impact of Artificial Intelligence, urged the students to embrace technology as AI would take up jobs in the nearest future.
Maimuna saidu usman, a technology driven student of NTIC who speaks about reviving the concorde, emphasised the imperative of utilizing technology to achieve their heights.
