Diri’s aide, others advocate mentorship as group celebrate Prof. Ogoina

Some stakeholders in Bayelsa State have stressed the importance of mentorship to guide young people to realize their full potentials and also achieve greatness.

This was the submission at a one day mentorship programme organized by the Network of Bayelsa Professionals (NBP) in honour of Prof. Dimie Ogoina, one of Times Magazine 100 Most Influential People for 2023.

Speaking at the event with the theme: “Inspiring Excellence: A Mentorship Experience”, the Technical Adviser to Governor Douye Diri on Public Health Education, Bishop Doutimi Egbegi, said having the right mentors and sticking to their advice, will provide accelerated growth for young people in the society.

Egbegi while applauding Ogoina, also advised young people, especially those in the medical field to go through life with the mindset that they can achieve anything they put their heart to.

“This is a call to make a lasting impact in the world by providing solutions that have never existed before. The beautiful thing about this award is that we can all see that Prof. Ogoina worked hard to get to where he is today, and that should serve as a source of inspiration to all students that they can achieve the highest height in their careers”, he said.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Appah Williams encouraged students to be excellent and passionate about their work which is the key to making a global impact.

He also advised them to gain all the right skills that will help them navigate the world better and in more impactful ways, noting that the state government was working to ensure a more robust healthcare delivery system.

On her part, Chairman, Governing Council, Bayelsa State College of Health, Otuogidi
Mrs. Victoria Denenu, called on Bayelsans to take a cue from Ogoina in order to bring in more goodwill to the state.

In their separate remarks, Director Strategic Communications of the NBP, Barr. Deinmobofa Tantua and the Director Strategy and Programmes, Dr. Eweke Emmanuel, said the event was organized as a way of encouraging professionalism in every field of endeavour.

They also advocated for more mentoring sessions to properly guide young people in the state to choose the right career path and stay committed to their dreams and aspirations.

They lauded the state government for also celebrating the renowned Professor of Medicine and Chief Medical Director of the Niger Delta University, as well as for prioritizing quality healthcare delivery in the state.

Speaking at the event, Ogoina told the audience, who were basically medical students from higher institutions in the state that, the right mentor, perseverance, dutifulness, commitment, dedication, passion and interest are some of the key factors to success.

The infectious diseases expert used the occasion to share his success story, how he got to where he is and motivated the students on a number of issues.

He advised the students present at the occasion not to run away from challenges, because challenges are most times blessings in disguise.

Ogoina emphasized the need to make sacrifices in order to achieve desired goals and ambitions, saying that was what he has done several times to get to where he is today.

According to him, “Mentorship is very important to make progress quickly in your career, it will help you achieve so much in a short time”, and encouraged the students to get mentors who will inspire, motivate and educate them.

He said, “It is important to identify what you are passionate about and follow your passion because that’s what brings creativity in the face of challenges”, and also encouraged the students to broaden their horizon by learning a variety of skills which will set them apart and help them function in the world better.

In his words, “My recognition came five years after I made an observation and it came in an environment called Okolobiri in Bayelsa state, which tells you that environment does not limit excellence.

“What is important is for you to apply your best wherever you are and you can be recognized everywhere, even by the universe”, he added.

It would be recalled that the Bayelsa state governor, Douye Diri, recently celebrated the Bayelsa born Medical Director, with N40 million cash, and a statewide ceremony to show how he appreciates hard work from those who are paving ways in the Health Sector and thereby, in extension has brought a good image to the State like Prof Dimie Ogoina.