Promasidor Nigeria, a leading consumer goods company, has reaffirmed its commitment to education and youth empowerment through its flagship career guidance initiative, Harness Your Dream, held recently in Lagos.
The programme, designed to help junior secondary school students make informed career choices, brought together educators, government officials, and industry leaders for a day of mentorship, motivation, and interaction.
Representing the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Mrs. Anike Adekanye, former Tutor General and Permanent Secretary of Education District II, commended Promasidor for sustaining a transformational initiative that aligns with the Lagos State Government’s vision for youth empowerment and educational excellence.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision, anchored on education, empowerment, and a brighter future for every child in Lagos State,” Mrs. Adekanye said. “Success begins with a dream, but it is sustained by discipline, hard work, and the right values. The mentorship you receive today is about discovering who you are, understanding your purpose, and believing that you can achieve greatness regardless of your background.”
She urged students to stay focused and committed to continuous learning, emphasizing that “the choices you make today are the seeds of the future you will harvest tomorrow.”
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, Promasidor Nigeria, Mr. François Gillet, highlighted the company’s belief in education as a catalyst for social and economic progress.
“Beyond being a leading food and beverage company, Promasidor is deeply committed to supporting our communities,” he said. “Through Harness Your Dream, we aim to help young people find clarity and confidence to pursue careers that align with their passions.”
Mr. Gillet added that Promasidor’s impact extends beyond its brands to educational and agricultural empowerment programmes such as Cowbellpedia and Ikun Milk Day.
“Dreams find their wings when guided by wisdom, discipline, and the right direction, and that’s exactly what Harness Your Dream stands for,” he noted.
Also speaking, the Head, Regulatory and Government Affairs, Promasidor Nigeria Dr. Chinenyem Obasi-Obonga, said the initiative aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and the Lagos State THEMES+ Agenda on Education and Technology. “We are here to motivate, mentor, and inspire our young leaders to make smart career decisions,” she said. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between what students learn in school and who they aspire to become. With the right guidance, every dream is achievable.”
Also at the event was the Chairman, Isolo Local Council Development Area, Otunba Adebayo Olasoju, who shared his personal experiences and growth trajectory with the students. Otunba Olasoju advised them never to let their background or circumstances limit their imagination or aspirations, stressing that no dream is too big or too small to achieve.
The event was highly interactive, as students engaged actively with facilitators who shared personal stories to illustrate lessons on perseverance, purpose, and ambition. The facilitators, who are senior executives from Promasidor; Mr. Olabisi Ajeyomi, Head of Sales and Operations Planning; Mrs. Arike Nwachukwu, National Key Account Manager; and Mr. Chukwunonso Udeh, Performance and People Services Specialist, provided career mentoring and counselling, encouraging students to “keep the big picture in mind” as they plan their futures.
The program also featured two external facilitators, Dr Nimi Ekere, a consultant family physician and child & adolescent advocate, and Dr Adaora Obiagwu, a consultant community and public health expert, adding different verticals and dimensions to the mentoring sessions.
Also in attendance at the event were the Human Resources and Corporate Services Director of Promasidor Nigeria, Mrs. Efeguom Oriero, representative of the Director, Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, Mr. Ibrahim Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Mr. Leke Banjoko and educators from Lagos State Education District 6.
The students also participated in quizzes and fun educational games, with several walking away with prizes in recognition of their enthusiasm and quick thinking.
Through Harness Your Dream, Promasidor continues to nurture the next generation of innovators, professionals, and leaders shaping a future where every Nigerian child can dream boldly, decide wisely, and achieve greatly.
