Olumide-Ojo’s new book ‘Marketplace Readiness’ to equip young Nigerians for success

From right: Founder of Ruff and Tumble, Adenike Ogunlesi; Lagos State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa; Executive Director, Lagos Business School, Mr. Victor Aderenle Banjo; Corporate Executive and Founder of The LightHouse Network,Mrs. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo; Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, Dr. Busola Tejumola; Tobiloba Aboaba; and Joseph Onaolapo, Jay On-air Content Creator at the book launch of Mrs. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo`s book Marketplace Readiness in Lagos recently.

From right: Founder of Ruff and Tumble, Mrs. Ogunlesi; Lagos State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs.  Baderinwa ; Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, Dr. Tejumola; Mr. Olumide Ojo; Mrs. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, Corporate Executive and Founder of The LightHouse Network; Mrs. Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati; and Dr. Reuben Abati at the launch of Mrs. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo’s book Marketplace Readiness.

Stanley Ihedigbo

In a bold step to enforce and ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for everyone under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG4) in Nigeria, Corporate Executive and Founder of the LightHouse Network, Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, launched her new book titled “Step Forward: Market Place Readiness.”

According to the National Planning Commission, Nigeria faces a significant challenge with approximately 53% of its youth currently unemployed.

To address this pressing issue, Nkiru Olumide-Ojo dedicated her efforts to preparing young people for the job market, equipping them with the necessary skills to seize available opportunities or even create new ones.

In her opening remarks, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa, stated that “the marketplace today is dynamic, competitive, and full of opportunities; however, it also provides numerous challenges that businesses must be ready to face. Market readiness involves understanding these challenges, adapting to changes, and strategically positioning oneself to capitalize on opportunities as they arise.”

She further noted that “in the last 13 years, NYSC has sensitized over three million members, opening their eyes to entrepreneurship development.”

Also speaking at the event, Founder of Ruff and Tumble, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi, addressed both the corps members present and guests who are already in the workplace.

She emphasized, “Be intentional about building your mindset. Stand your ground based on three things: building your character, understanding what you value, and what your values are as a human being, and building your competence.”

The event was remarkable, featuring discussions on marketplace readiness across two generations, including thought leaders, educators, and advocates for sustainable development. Attendees benefited from insightful panel sessions featuring distinguished speakers, engaging conversations, and networking opportunities with individuals passionate about education and sustainable growth.

Leading the panel session were Mrs. Ogunlesi; Mrs. Baderinwa; Director of Executive Education at Lagos Business School, Mr. Victor Banjo;  a renowned radio and TV broadcaster, content creator, actor, and event host, Joseph Onaolapo (Jay On Air); and  a dynamic young professional at Stanbic IBTC, Tobiloba Aboaba; among others.

The book, “Step Forward: Market Place Readiness,” is a product of Nkiru and her team’s extensive work in underserved tertiary institutions, providing essential market readiness skills to students. This book aims to broaden their reach and impact, offering valuable insights and practical advice to a wider audience. It delves into situations and issues that undergraduates face in their everyday lives, preparing them for the challenges of the marketplace.