By Emem Idio, Yenagoa

The Pioneer President of the Former Ekeremor Local Government Students National Presidents Forum (FESNPF), Lt. Col. Dr. Femedein Timipre Okou, has urged former student leaders to prioritise continuous self-development, capacity building and awareness of opportunities that can advance their careers and communities.

Okou, who is the Executive Secretary of the International Military Sports Council at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, gave the advice when members of the FESNPF paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, at the weekend.

The visit was aimed at familiarising members of the forum with its pioneer president and briefing him on the organisation’s forthcoming activities and programmes.

Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman of the forum, Comrade Weky Zikena Bosele, welcomed members and expressed appreciation to Okou for providing a conducive environment for the gathering.

Bosele also commended members of the forum, including those who were unable to attend the meeting, for their continued support, commitment and contributions towards the growth and sustenance of the organisation.

Responding, Okou expressed appreciation to the members for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of the enduring bond and spirit of togetherness among former leaders of the Ekeremor Local Government Students’ body.

He said several groups and individuals had visited him since his return to Bayelsa from Abuja to welcome him home, describing the gestures as overwhelming and deeply appreciated.

According to him, returning home and discovering that one’s contributions are remembered and appreciated by the people is both encouraging and rewarding.

Okou, who is also a board member of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, urged members of the forum to remain prepared, informed and conscious of developments and opportunities capable of shaping their future.

He challenged them to dream big, build their capacities and take advantage of available opportunities, stressing that self-development should remain a continuous process irrespective of an individual’s current position or achievements.

Using himself as an example, Okou said his military career and academic accomplishments had not diminished his appetite for further learning.

He noted that despite serving in the Nigerian Army as a Lieutenant Colonel and being an Associate Professor at the Niger Delta University, he was still pursuing additional academic qualifications in Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as Military Performance Science in Sports and Exercise Psychology.

He said his pursuit of further education underscored the importance of lifelong learning, capacity development and personal growth.

The military officer thanked members of the forum for their efforts towards keeping the organisation viable and pledged his continued support for its activities.

The meeting also resolved to send a delegation to the forthcoming Congress of the National Union of Ekelga Students (NUES), where the forum is expected to witness and support the formal adoption of FESNPF as the Advisory Council of the union.