Toastmasters International District 94 is made up of Toastmasters Clubs in 15 West and Central African Countries. The theme for the recently concluded DEC was ‘Repositioning For Maximum Impact Leadership”. The two days event which held at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites Victoria Island had several exciting and educative segments. The event had in attendance members and delegates from other West African countries – both Anglophone and Francophone.
Welcoming his fellow Toastmasters and guests to the event, the chairperson of the local organizing committee Distinguished Toastmaster Chimaobim Ezife enjoined all not to relent in developing capacity for the service of the community in West Africa even as they continue to strive for excellence. He noted that Toastmasters is the fastest growing platform in Africa that provides a solid framework for leadership and communication, even as it plays a vital role in personal and professional development.
The Keynote address was delivered by Toastmaster Amaechi Okobi, a marketing and communications professional and currently the Group Head Corporate Communications and External Affairs at Access Bank. In his keynote address the Amaechi defined leadership as when a group of people are convinced and believe in your cause and are willing to go the whole nine yards with you. He noted that speaking and communications have become the two most coveted skills in recent times. He therefore urged all as Africans we should harness our speaking and communications skills effectively to change the world perception of Africa with particular emphasis on Nigeria. “Toastmasters is a Diamond that we must not keep to ourselves” he stressed. He bared his mind on his desire to see a Nigeria President or African President who is a Toastmaster. Finally, he enjoined his fellow Toastmasters to strive to leave a legacy behind.
The well-attended event was full of interesting icebreakers before the lecture for the day began. Training workshops included ‘On the Road to Achieving Your Goals by Dunstanette Macauley, DTM; Marketing is Fun by Ganiatou Sambaou, DTM; Toastmasters Pathways by Issoufou Zongo, DTM to mention a few. The District Executive Council held its proceedings in addition to networking session, Hall of Fame and Awards and the event ended on Saturday 25th November with a colourful and electrifying Gala Night.
