An esteemed international public speaker, Johnson Abbaly, conducted a session on reskilling requirements for future careers with the students of Landmark College, Ikorodu.
As a distinguished guest speaker during the college 2023 Career Day, Mr. Abbaly, who doubles as the British Council Core Skills coordinator, engaged the students and imparted valuable insights regarding the essential skills necessary for success in their chosen careers.
The event, which took place on Wednesday, June 21 2023, was themed: “Career Choice and Sustainability.”
In his address, Mr. Abbaly expressed his appreciation for the college initiative in organizing such an event and urged the students to embrace technology, acknowledging the disruptive nature of the future.
He emphasized the rapid changes taking place in the world and emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities that can pave the way for a promising future.
Mr. Abbaly highlighted the prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future, emphasizing its widespread impact across various fields.
He stressed the necessity for students to understand the workings of AI, regardless of their chosen field, as it is a tool that can keep them ahead in the dynamic landscape of the 21st century.
Abbaly encouraged the students to take charge of their own success by equipping themselves with AI knowledge.
“The jobs of your parents are disappearing. You do not know the type of jobs employers will be offering in the future. So as students, you are to prepare yourselves for the career of the future,” Abbaly encouraged the students.
He stated that the future will be dominated by artificial intelligence.
“Every field is becoming sophisticated. Technology is everywhere. And to become professionals in the future, you must know how AI works. It doesn’t matter which field. AI is one of the tools that can keep you ahead in this 21st century. Your success is in your hand,” Abbaly said.
During the event, Pastor Ibikunle Ibitowa, a chartered accountant, provided the students with insights into the prospects and challenges associated with a career in accounting.
He emphasized the critical role accountants play in businesses and organizations, noting their importance in facilitating sound financial decision-making and ensuring accuracy in financial transactions.
Pastor Ibitowa emphasized the significance of discipline and encouraged the students to strive for independence.
“Choosing a career is not an easy thing. It requires a lot of thinking and efforts. Every profession has its prospects and challenges,” he said, emphasizing the important roles of an accountant.
“There is hardly a company without an accountant. This tells you how important an accountant is to every firm or establishment,” he stated.
Another speaker, a seasoned journalist, John Ativie, shared personal experiences and advised the students to approach their career choices with meticulousness. Drawing from real-life examples, he emphasized the importance of considering one’s abilities and adequately preparing for future careers.
Ativie highlighted the roles of journalism, its types and selected subjects required to study journalism.
During her speech, Commander Be Ojo emphasized the transformative impact of career guidance on a student’s life. She underscored that a career encompasses an occupation or profession that necessitates specialized training and extends over numerous years.
“To make a career choice, it is crucial to carefully consider one’s personality, daily habits, and motivations,” she stated.
In her concluding remarks, she provided a comprehensive outline of the necessary steps to embark on the path towards becoming a military officer.
The school Principal, Mr. Sanni J.A, expressed his appreciation for the speakers and acknowledged the efforts of the staff and students involved in organizing the event.
He reiterated the purpose of the programme, which was to guide the students in making informed career choices.
Mr. Sanni encouraged the students to heed the professional advice provided by the speakers, emphasizing its importance in guiding their career decisions.
“I would like to enjoin you all to note and action all the professional advice from the speakers. This will guide you perfectly in your choice of career,” Sanni charged the students.
Mrs. Odion Ehigiator, the convener of the program and school counselor, extended gratitude to all those present and reiterated the significance of the event’s theme.
She highlighted the distinction between a job and a career, emphasizing that a career is a lifelong pursuit that requires constant development and offers great fulfillment.
Ehigiator stated that one thing is to choose a career and another thing is to sustain it. She buttressed the difference between a job and career.
“It is a lifetime skill that is constantly developed. Career has lots of joy,” she said.
Mrs. Odion urged the students to take the advice given by the speakers seriously.
The programme provided an interactive platform for the students, who had the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to their career choices.
Lastly, it is important to note that the upcoming entrance examination for Landmark College, Ikorodu, will be held this Saturday, June 24, 2023. To obtain an examination form, interested individuals can contact 07085303977.
Other pictures taken at the event