The Hawkins Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) brought together students, parents, and professionals in the Alimosho area of Lagos State for a highly interactive Career Day designed to shape the aspirations of young people and guide them toward fulfilling career choices.
The event, which featured professionals from diverse fields, was marked by stimulating conversations, practical guidance, and spirited questions from the children eager to learn about real-life career paths.
In his welcome address, Mr. Ayodele Munis underscored the importance of the initiative, emphasising that young people need structured guidance in choosing careers.
He encouraged the students to make the most of the day, providing each with writing materials to take notes from the wealth of knowledge to be shared.
Mr Dan Ezuzu, a data analyst, opened the presentations with a thought-provoking lesson on the distinction between careers and professions.
Citing himself as an accountant by profession but a teacher by career, he urged students not to place money above passion, skills, or societal needs when choosing their paths.
“Money is a by-product of success,” he stressed, cautioning parents against imposing “socially appealing” professions on their children.
Veteran quantity surveyor Mr. Ojo Eboreime shared the story of his son, who combined academics with football aspirations under his guidance.
He underscored communication, patience, and tolerance between parents and children.
“If you ever struggle with career choices or with your parents’ expectations, my doors are open to you anytime,” he told the children.
Dr. Adeolu Oyekan of Lagos State University explained the path to becoming a lecturer, addressing students’ questions about conflicting career choices.
He urged parents to respect their children’s aspirations, citing entertainer Falz, who first fulfilled his father’s wish by studying law before venturing into music with his father’s full support.
Medical practitioner Dr Goke Fatunwase narrated his own journey, where his weakness in mathematics redirected him from engineering to medicine.
He reassured students that interests could evolve and noted that he still works in an engineering environment as a doctor.
When asked if medicine could be combined with another career, he affirmed it, citing examples of medical doctors thriving in other pursuits.
Cybersecurity expert, Mr Adeyemi Adeojo, fired up the hall with the reminder, “Choices are the pen through which we write our story.”
He urged students to seek advice but to take responsibility for their decisions ultimately. Sharing his own transition from banking to cybersecurity, he encouraged open dialogue with parents and mentors when making life-changing decisions.
To the delight of the children, legal practitioner, Mr Lanre Adeoye appeared in full legal regalia, explaining the journey to becoming a lawyer.
He broke down concepts like attorney-client confidentiality, chambers, and the meaning of LL.B., while fielding curious questions from the young audience.
The final speaker, electrical engineer Mr Chuks Onochie, inspired awe as he simplified engineering concepts, including how aeroplanes defy gravity through design, wings, and propulsion.
In his closing remarks, Hawkins Deck Cap’n, Mr Nkem Ekwem, expressed appreciation to all participants and pledged that the association would continue to provide platforms that empower young people.
He reiterated the need for communication, environmental awareness, and passion in career selection, urging students to remember the analogy, “Never sell ice cream in Iceland.”
The Career Day ended on a high note, with students leaving motivated, parents enlightened, and professionals inspired to do more in shaping the future generation.
