RISE TAKES “DARE TO BE DIFFERENT” NATIONAL INTERACTIVE YOUTH FORUM’S SUCCESS STORY TO OWERRI

Owerri youths experienced a change in the environment as RISE: a youth expression and advocacy firm extended the DARE TO BE DIFFERENT National Interactive Youth Forum to the All Seasons Hotel, New Owerri on the 4th of July, 2009. With the same theme as the Lagos event (OUR TIME IS NOW), the participants were eager to see if the news about the Lagos event were true. The event which hosted more than 1,500 Owerri youths, celebrated Guests speakers such as Mrs. Iquo Ukoh (Consumer Maximization Manager, Nestle Nigeria), Mr. Mitchell Elegbe (MD/CEO, Interswitch Nigeria Ltd), Dr. Henry Nzekwu (MD, CSA Limited), Mr. Guy Murray Bruce (President, Silverbird Entertainment) who was well represented, Okey Mc Anthony (The Special Assistant to the Imo State Governor on Entertainment) and Pastor Triumphant Obamoh (Senior Pastor, Winners Chapel, Owerri).



The Guest speakers all spoke on various topics affecting the young people in Nigeria and how they can “Dare to be Different” in the face of different circumstances in Nigeria. Telecommunications Giant, MTN, being lead sponsor for the event in all the 8 Nigerian cities (Lagos, Owerri, Enugu, Benin, Kaduna, Ibadan, Abeokuta and Abuja), did not leave any stone unturned as they threw their weight behind event just as they did at the Lagos Edition. Other major brands that were also present to ensure the success of the Event include Nescafe, ABC Transport, Macleans, Nigerian Bottling Company and Verve. Amobi Okeke (Publisher, 234 magazine), was the Compere for the event and ensured that no one forgot that fact by taking the participants in steamy sessions of informative and inspirational talks.



As RISE prepares for the ENUGU edition which is scheduled to hold on the 18th of July 2009, the DARE TO BE DIFFERENT NATIONAL INTERACTIVE YOUTH FORUM’s Group page on FACEBOOK continues to enjoy massive following and encouragements from those who have been inspired by either the Lagos or Owerri edition of the event. Many outstanding professional Nigerians such as Mr. Fela Durotoye, National acclaimed Motivational speaker and Performance Coach have lauded the efforts of the organizers saying that this is really an avenue for God to revisit the country and use the youths as tools for development and growth.

From T-B – Mrs Iquo Ukoh (Consumer Maximization Manager, Nestle Nigeria) during her speech, Mr Mitchell Elegbe (MD, Interswitch Nigeria) during his speech, Okey Mc Anthony, Mrs Iquo Ukoh, Dr. Henry Nzekwu, Mr Mitchell Elegbede, Dr. Henry Nzekwu (MD, CSA LIMITED) during his speech, Cross section of Certified DARE TO BE DIFFERENT PARTICIPANTS, Participants registering at the venue, Okey Mc Anthony (The Special Assitant to the Imo State Governor on Entertainment)

Visit www.risenetworks.org for more info.