It was a gathering of Nigerian youth in their hundreds, as usual, at the second edition of “Guaranteed to Succeed”, a youth empowerment programme put together by Ed Harrison, an American Professional Horse Trainer and Evangelist, together with his wife Lillie Love in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The programme has been consistently organized against the the backdrop of the economic challenges facing many youth in the country and a need for the youth as leaders of tomorrow, to be distinguished in life.
Speaking at the programme, the Convener explained that God has purpose for every one of us in life, it is only for us to listen to and obey Him. This piece being in order, everything will surely come to pass. In his words, ‘’sometimes God will make us pass through hard ways so we can be strong for the work he has for us’’
Evangelist Harrison narrated his experience as a young American horse trainer with nothing but God’s promise to use him. Later this would cause him to come to Nigeria to preach the gospel to the people even at the detriment of his pocket. Nonetheless, he believed in God and followed His command
A major highlight of the program was the award of prizes to selected individuals that participated in a raffle. The winners were given cash prizes and gadgets to boost their business.
The winners emerged from a list of young entrepreneurs who entered their business ideas for the contest during their registration for the programme. “A section of the registration form demanded that anyone with good business idea should fill a form indicating their business ideas while the most creative ideas would be selected for a raffle draw” explained.
Mr Akintunbosun Michael won the N50,000 entrepreneurship package. Ms Abegunde Rachael Talotoluwa and Ms Tonia Okonji won note pad and Ipad as first and second runners-up respectively.
L-R Mr.Ajibade Dare, Lillie Love Harrison, Evan. Ed Harrison, Mr.Akintubosun Michael, Ms Tonia Okonji and Ms Abegunde Rachael
While thanking the organiser of the programme, Mr. Akintunbosun expressed gratitude for the inspiring session for the Nigerian youth and opportunity to win with his business idea.
According to him, he has been given land on which he and his partners intend to start their SME farming project but they lack the fund to procure cassava stems for planting. “This money will afford us the opportunity to buy the stems for the planting” he concluded. .
Commenting on the success of the programme, Evang. Harrison said “being able to help youth that have their heads on straight and know where they are going in life is an awesome feeling’’ He advised youths to be focus and determined in life while also following God’s instruction
Earlier, Evang. Harrison announced Bro. Ajibade Dare as the new Assistant Executive Director for EdHarrison Ministries in Nigeria. This was due to his diligence and support he has been given to the ministries since inception especially in the Charge fellowship organ of the Ministries.
At the first edition which held in May, a massive number of youth were on hand to hear from the Evangelist, motivational speaker. Evangelist Harrison who has been visiting Nigeria for the past four years, preaching and teaching the word of God said the “idea is to give the Nigerian youth the needed encouragement to strive and achieve their goals in life”
Source: BrandCrunch Nigeria