Toastmasters (TM) International Club, a non-profit organisation, has underscored the need for adequate investment in skills development, particularly for women, to achieve meaningful growth in Nigeria.
Mr Jude Nnadozie, President, Hatlab TM Club, District 94, Division E, Area 30, Abuja, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
He spoke against the backdrop of the Club’s bi-monthly meeting, with the theme: “The leading edge”, in commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD).
Nnadozie said, “When you join platforms like TM, you will meet other people and develop your skills which is important. So, the things we learn are enormous.
“This is why we have special meetings where we celebrate great women. By our theme, we put spotlight on things women who succeeded in their chosen career have done to succeed.
“Today, we brought together lots of distinguished women on the platform of TM, because they have been there for a while and conquered many grounds we look forward to conquer in life.
“Not just women and girls, but generally on what people can do to succeed in various endeavors.”
In her general evaluation, Mrs Stella George, Division E Director of Toastmasters International, urged people to always participate in meetings to imbibe modern skills which could enable them tackle modern challenges.
The division director quoted Mahatma Ghandi, saying: “The best way to gain yourself is to lose yourself to serving other people” to reiterate the importance of leadership.
According to her, Toastmasters International is a place people could build noble character and become more productive.
“Here you learn about emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication skills, quick thinking, and the ability to organise a group of people.
“You need to build capacity and support others; this is what makes the world go round because you never get tired doing what you love while serving humanity,” she said.
High point of the event was recitation of “Resilience” as key word of the day and panel discussion on gender equity being moderated by Udanga Jarigbe, a Toastmaster.
The discussion by Distinguished Toastmasters Stella George (Division Director), Toju Cole, Soji Salu, Alhassan Mohammed and Titi Ojo, stressed the need for people to understand and be dedicated to core values to achieve success in their career.
The event also featured general evaluation, introduction of table topics by Mr Ifeanyi Nwoko, Vice President of Hatlab Toastmasters Club, and cutting of cake to commemorate the IWD.
NAN reports that TM International Club promotes improvement in public speaking, self-confidence, leadership and networking skills.
