Joel Ajayi
The Executive Director, Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Stella Okotete, has called on students and female staff of the bank to prioritise self-investment and mentorship as pathways to personal growth and long-term success.
Okotete made the call during an event held in Abuja to commemorate International Women’s Day, organised for students of Model Girls Junior Secondary School and female staff of NEXIM Bank.
Speaking on the theme, “Give to Gain,” she emphasised that investing time, knowledge, discipline and effort yields confidence, opportunities and success.
Addressing the students, Okotete urged them to remain committed to their studies, build strong character and stay focused on their aspirations.
“Begin early to give your best to your studies, your character and your dreams. When you give respect, you gain respect. When you give effort, you gain excellence. When you give courage to your ambitions, you gain a future filled with possibilities,” she said.
She also encouraged the female staff of the bank to continue mentoring younger generations, noting that their guidance and support were critical in shaping confident future leaders.
“By giving mentorship, guidance and encouragement to these young girls, you are helping to build a stronger and more inclusive society,” she added.
Okotete further urged stakeholders to sustain efforts in providing support, knowledge and inspiration, stressing that such contributions would translate into a brighter future for girls and the nation.
In his remarks, Vice Principal (Administration) of the school, Shagawo Ishaku, advised students to embrace hard work, discipline and resilience as key ingredients for success. He encouraged them to remain focused, explore diverse career paths and take advantage of opportunities for growth.
Ishaku also highlighted the importance of mentorship, noting that guidance from experienced professionals plays a vital role in shaping career direction.
Similarly, a representative of the Board Chairman and Deputy Director, School Services, Abdulrahman Muhammed, urged the students to believe in their abilities and work towards building a better future.
Also speaking, the Head of Human Resources at NEXIM Bank, Margaret Udosi, commended the initiative, describing it as essential for empowering individuals and strengthening communities.
Udosi, however, called for the sustainability of the programme to enable more people to benefit from its objectives.
