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Umbrella body of intellectuals in the Brotherhood of Cross and Star, Association of Brotherhood Academic Scholars(ABAS), in partnership with a consultancy firm, St. Lambert Consult ltd yesterday organized seminar on Guidance and Counselling at the Bethel of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Stars, Amarata, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital.
In his welcome address, Lead Consultant, St. Lambert Consult ltd, Mr Julius Nyananyo described the firm as an emerging consultancy firm, seeking to promote Guidance and Counselling practice in education, both
vocational and persona-social for the purposes of human capital development in Nigeria.
The seminar was themed, ‘Guidance and Counselling for a Better Tomorrow’.
The Lead Consultant noted that the seminar was apt and timely, saying also that the conversations set out were critical to the mental and social well-being of young people.
He said: “First, I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Almighty God for His love, mercy and kindness and for making this programme a reality.
“The theme of the seminar, ‘Guidance and Counselling for a Better Tomorrow is apt, timely and the conversations set out are critical to the mental and social well-being of young people.
“Education is key to one’s growth and development. My journey to Guidance and Counselling is an interesting one. I got admission to study Guidance and Counselling in 1998.
“A lot of people asked why Guidance and Counselling and not Law, having worked in the judiciary and with some experience in the workings of Courts of Law?” I did the programme by choice and passion.
“The idea of helping young people find direction in life, helping most of my colleagues attain their desired educational development to enhance and advance their careers, were some of the driving forces behind this choice”, Nyananyo said.
“This has given me a sense of fulfillment and today’s event is one of many lined up in the coming year.This seminar will help us reflect on our interests, ambitions, abilities, qualification and healthy living.
“The seminar will teach us to plan and make decisions about work, learning, and healthy lifestyle. It will also assist in self-direction, knowledge of one’s strength and limitations, develop problem-solving abilities and effective decision making”.
He said he believed all students required career guidance to support their decision-making process, noting also that it was a delight to have an esteemed caliber of speakers doing justice to the various topics for the seminar.
The Lead Consult of St. Lambert appreciated the contributions of the various scholars in the seminar, saying it will broaden the minds of participants, and answer some niggling questions.
“I can’t thank you enough for being part of this community service to help our young people have a sense of direction.
“We believe that the realization of lifelong career guidance should be the common responsibility of all persons and organizations concerned, and it requires a coordinated professional approach from the government.
“In addition to strengthening lifelong career guidance, we are planning to host this seminar regularly in all secondary schools in the State. This will require the support of everyone: government, individuals, NGOs, religious bodies and institutions.
“My sincere appreciation goes to the State Women Fellowship, Epie – South Pentecostal Centre, Amarata Bethel, the Universal Children Fellowship, Mercy Fellowship, State General Fellowship and all those that have supported this programme”.
