by Olutayo Irantiola

Towards the close of 2019, my ally, Dr Tunde Masseyferguson Ojo, asked me if I had seen the call to application for the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Bridge Fellowship. I have seen the call to application, but I never took it seriously until he shared it with me again. I began the application, and I can say I am a better Nigerian today. Let me share with you some of what I have gained since the fellowship started in July 2020.

New Allies: I have met many young, noble minds from every part of the country with diverse career endeavours, and they are upwardly mobile. You can meet us all by visiting this link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5T0lMsJVF8

Expertise Converge: Each one is adept at what they do daily to improve their lives and communities. We were able to put together a report titled “Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on households in Nigeria”. Everyone had a role to play. I was part of the Editorial team, if you would like to read this report, click on the link- https://www.nesgroup.org/fellowship#releases

New Platforms: As PR Consultants, one of the things we always crave is new platforms to communicate our ideas and zeal. The NESG annual Summit in Abuja created a new platform for my co-participants to speak to national stakeholders. This is one of the biggest platforms to address people from the Public sector in Nigeria, and we got this on a platter of gold. If you will like to see the session, click this link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwvB3XuTMz0

•         New Skills: I have always loved writing but through the Bridge Fellowship; I have become a Rapporteur. This makes me a valuable resource for conferences, summit and other high profile events. This is another way through which the fellowship has created a better me.

Learning from the feet of C-Suite Executives: Youngsters in the private sector have role models they look up to. With the NESG Bridge Fellowship, I have been able to learn from the C-Suite Executives I have longed to learn from. They were open about their journey to the top. The Bridge Fellowship actually created the bridge.

Being a part of the Future: Within 9 months of being a part of this fellowship, the distinguished fellows and I have been a part of the future. We have been involved in the documentation of the Diagnostic Report and Developmental Plan 2021-2025. All these are expected to help shape Government policies.

Mentoring: Having been assigned to various Thematic Working Groups, we were not just thrown under the bus; we were assigned a mentor, and this is a mandatory part of the fellowship. Despite the mentors’ and mentees’ busy schedules, it is expected that you are prepared to do everything in the best interests of the nation.

Entry point for other opportunities: A current member of the Bridge Fellow has been selected by the UNCTAD/WTO for a special training on International Merchandise Trade Statistics, under their joint TrainforTrade Initiative. This recommendation was earned due to his participation in the fellowship. I would also add that opportunities are being shared by distinguished fellows and NESG.

Robust discussions: Beyond all that is taking place in the virtual classroom led by cerebral men and women, the Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) and the Policy Commissions, the fellows engage in cross-cultural and cross-border banters that have sharpened the thoughts of everyone. There is no dull moment on the messaging platform of the fellows.

Pay to Serve: Many youngsters love to say that they are selfless. NESG is a think-tank where you pay to serve. Don’t get it twisted: the fellows are not required to pay, but it points one toward raising selfless youngsters who will continue the dream of creating a future that subsequent generations will be proud of. However, I would add that compensation is provided periodically.

You need to be a Bridge Fellow if you have a dream of building a great nation in the best interest of everyone. Would you follow the steps of the Founding Fathers like Ernest Shonekan, Pascal Gabriel Dozie, Ahmed Joda, Dr Imo Itsueli and others? Then, you need to apply for the Bridge Fellowship to join a  New Cadre of Young Visionary Leaders. To apply, visit- https://nesgroup.org/fellowship/application

Olutayo Irantiola is a distinguished fellow of The NESG Bridge Fellowship. He is a Lagos-based PR Consultant and creative writer. He blogs at www.peodavies.com.ng