By Amaka Abayomi

In its bid to help create a more vibrant capitalist economy in Nigeria with the youths playing a major role, players in event styling and management oufits are organising a 2-day youth skills acquisition conference with the aim of driving entrepreneurship amongst Nigerian youths.

According to the convener of the conference and Managing Director of Yvents Kouture, Mr. Debola Lewis, the event is borne out of the general misconception and fear of young people towards making efforts into becoming job creators as well as seeking other profitable means to earn a decent living, either full time or on a part time basis.

“Nigeria is blessed with young individuals with great potentials and abilities that can add value to the economy but they fail to harness these potentials due to fear, lack of experience sharing and mentorship which are inhibiting them from undertaking lucrative enterprises such as in the events industry.

“The ‘Facing the Giants Conference’ is a 2-day interactive, skill acquisition and practical conference dedicated to providing a platform for young people to hone their skills, gain more knowledge and see the possibility of becoming entrepreneurs in the events industry.

“This is because the average Nigerian youth is expectant of getting varied supports from the society and government in realizing his potentials, but this is not coming and the credit crunch has led them into believing that they cannot be assets to themselves and the nation.”

The event will feature seasoned facilitators, owners of businesses and human development specialists such as Mrs. Yewande Zacchaeus (Eventful Limited); Mr. Olakunle Soriyan (Olakunle Soriyan Company); Mr. Kelechi Amadi-Obi (Kelechi Amadi-Obi Studios); Mr.  Akin Ariyo (Open Hands Ltd); Mrs. Banke Meshida Lawal (BM PRO Studios); Teju Babyface; and Tosin Martins who will educate young people on becoming owners of event management outfits.

To be held on 17th and 18th March, 2011 at Afebabalola Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, from 9:00am-5:00pm, conference curriculum and content include events management by Yewande Zaccheus; succeeding as a make up artiste by Banke Meshida Lawal; event styling/decor by Akin Ariyo; creativity and business behind photography by Kelechi Amadi-Obi; strategies for a successful business by Olakunle Soriyan; understanding music in a band by Tosin Martins; and becoming a successful MC/comedian by Teju Babay face.