Reported By: Obadeyi Khalifat Boluwatife

It’s been exactly a week since after the 5th YOHAN Africa Summit and we are still reliving the moments from the summit. This blog post is a way to bring you up-to-date with all that went down during the summit. The first part of this recap has been shared here. The rest of this post sheds light on day 2 of the summit.

SESSION ONE

Gabriel Oke, a Health Communication Professional, delivered a presentation on “Cross-Sector Collaboration: Uniting Youth Activists, Policymakers, and Private Sector Advocates.” He emphasized the critical role of collaboration in healthcare and public health research, highlighting the detrimental impact of distrust and disrespect on collaborative efforts. Oke stressed the importance of unity and collaboration across diverse sectors and professions for societal advancement, underscoring the pivotal role of policymakers and private sector advocates in effecting positive change.

Nzubechukwu Ogamba echoed Oke’s sentiments, emphasizing that youth activists committed to instigating change should prioritize collaboration and accumulate valuable experience for more effective outcomes.

Oke concluded with a powerful statement, asserting that “It’s better to have 10% of something that is working than 100% of something that is not,” emphasizing the significance of tangible progress over mere presence or quantity.

SUSTAINABLE FLAME: NURTURING FUTURE LEADERS

SESSION TWO

Elvis C. Umez, Author and Human Potential Strategist, delivered a captivating presentation on “Mentorship and Capacity Building: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders.” He commenced with a poignant quote by King Solomon, “Train up a child in the way he should go; when he is old, he will not depart from it,” setting the tone for his discourse.

Umez delved into the essence of mentorship, delineating the roles of mentor, protégé, and leader, and elucidating the concept of empowerment through mentorship. He shared his personal journey of becoming a medical laboratory scientist, attributing his success to mentorship that facilitated alignment between his skills and the needs of others. Umez asserted that mentorship is indispensable for professional growth and transformation, guiding individuals towards refinement and sought-after expertise in their respective fields, thereby contributing to societal progress and human evolution.

He underscored the importance of problem-solving both professionally and within society, asserting that assuming responsibility for identifying and addressing challenges is pivotal for leadership and personal development. Umez emphasized that one’s profession serves as a platform for expressing life’s purpose.

Umez outlined strategies for finding a mentor and building capacity, advocating self-awareness, active engagement, mastery of skills, and openness to divine guidance. Responding to a question, he asserted that mentorship is a deliberate effort, emphasizing the necessity of a personal connection with mentors within one’s field of interest. He debunked the notion of being mentored by someone unknown, highlighting the importance of intentional mentorship relationships.

Umez’s insightful presentation illuminated the transformative power of mentorship in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

SESSION THREE

Nzubechukwu Ogamba, Founder and Executive Director of YOHAN Africa, addressed the audience on the topic “Establishing a YOHAN Africa Legacy: Fostering Continuous Youth Engagement in Health through Networking and Platforms.” He commenced by outlining YOHAN’s objective in fostering networking to address prevalent challenges, stressing the importance of youth embracing networking with like-minded individuals. Ogamba asserted that collaboration supersedes competition in today’s landscape.

He introduced a forthcoming project on YOHAN Africa’s website aimed at facilitating networking among individuals with shared interests and professions, underscoring the organization’s commitment to providing platforms for young people to implement innovative ideas, learn, network, and invest in the continent’s development by enhancing healthcare.

Ogamba elaborated on YOHAN Africa’s mission and vision, emphasizing its role in empowering young individuals to undertake projects that positively impact their communities. He encouraged YOHAN Africa members to actively participate in the organization’s initiatives, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement.

Overall, Ogamba’s presentation underscored YOHAN Africa’s dedication to fostering youth engagement and innovation in healthcare, highlighting the organization’s commitment to nurturing a legacy of collaboration and progress.

CLOSING SPEECH

Dr. Mesoma Andrea Igbokwe, YOHAN Africa’s Board Vice President, delivered a compelling closing speech on “Young Minds, Bold Solutions, Transforming Health.” She began with a thought-provoking inquiry titled “Where is the box?” challenging the notion of thinking outside the box without first understanding its parameters. Dr. Igbokwe elucidated that to innovate beyond conventional boundaries, one must grasp the existing framework and seek alternative approaches.

She emphasized the imperative of active engagement, urging young individuals to eschew passivity in favour of proactive involvement in Nigeria’s healthcare sphere. Dr. Igbokwe offered practical suggestions for youth participation, including volunteering with NGOs like YOHAN Africa, leveraging social media for activism, and publishing innovative ideas. She concluded the summit by stressing the abundance of opportunities awaiting exploration and the supportive networks available. Dr. Igbokwe encouraged attendees to actively seek out these resources, take decisive action, and embark on transformative endeavours within Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.