…Show artistic skills, intelligence at Caverra World celebration
By Enyeribe Ejiogu
Two teenagers, handsome Chidubem David Ugwueze, who will turn 16 this year and pretty, 15-year-old Ukachi Alma, have been literally set on the road to what promises to be a great and glorious future.
Ugwueze and Alma, who are both in SS2, emerged as Mr. Teen and Miss Teen after a keen contest by representatives of the 23 schools that participated in the competition organised by Caverra World Foundation for senior secondary schools that qualified in Lagos State, to feature in the grand finale held on Thursday, March 20, in commemoration of the 2025 National Teenagers Day, the sixth edition of the intellectual, cultural, civic education and pageant event.
Significantly, Mr. Teen and Miss Teen have set their eyes on becoming successful lawyers in future. Alma who said that her interest in Law is driven by the desire to defend people, unveiled what she would do during her one year tenure as Miss Teen: “I plan to be a major influence for girls my age. To show them that anything is possible and they can be whoever they want to be. As long as they dream big enough and pray to God. You see, I prayed a lot to get this. And I’m so happy that my prayer worked. I’m so happy that God answered my prayers.”
On his part, Ugwueze, said his parents want him to study law, revealing that his mother is very excited about it. He said: “I got this inspiration from my father, and especially my mother. She has always supported me and even bought me a copy of Nigerian Constitution and books even at the age of 10.
“My mother is not a lawyer but she really loves Law. My father is a businessman and he really likes Law too. So, I want to make them proud by becoming what they desire, and Law is my desire too.”
Ugwueze simply could not hide his joy after winning the coveted Mr. Teen sash. Resplendent in his well-sown two-piece White suit, which was accessorized with a fine walking stick, he cut a picture of sartorial elegance. Coupled with his fair complexion and charming personality, Ugwueze effusively expressed his feeling in these words: “I feel very honoured, seeing as it’s actually my first experience here. I didn’t really know how this would be like, but surprisingly, I got Mr. Teen, and seeing as everybody is happy for me, I’m happy too.
“What am I going to do as a teen ambassador? Well, the Caverra World organisation has taught me that you need to plan, and not only plan, but actually work towards achieving that plan. So, I am setting some goals and I will work hard to reach those goals and achieve great success, which is the desire of every teenager. Quite importantly, I really want to empower teenagers too, by showing them that they can do what I just did here. Since I could win this award in my first attempt, I want them to know that they too can be Mr. Teen of Caverra World.”
Other positions won include: male category —Face of Teens, First RunnerUp, Second RunnerUp and Teen Ambassador; female category —Face of Teens, First RunnerUp, Second RunnerUp and Teen Ambassador.
In her welcome address, Founder and Chief Executive of Caverra World Foundation, Mrs Roseline Anijekwu, described NTD2025 as “a momentous occasion” and a beautiful day to celebrate the realization of the vision of the foundation “to honour teenagers in a unique and special way,” noting that the achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support and partnership of the sponsors.
She spoke further: “We extend our deepest gratitude for your contribution to this milestone. Despite encountering numerous challenges that threatened to derail our progress, our resilience and determination enabled us, to stay focused on our objective. Today, we stand proud of our accomplishments.
“At Caverra World Foundation, our mission remains unwavering: to develop responsible teenagers who will positively impact our nation’s future. We recognize the pivotal role teenagers play in shaping society, and we are committed to empowering them through deliberate grooming and mentorship. The teenage years lay the foundation for a person’s life, and a solid foundation is the key for building a strong, resilient individual. During this critical phase, teenagers navigate challenges, uncertainty, and self-discovery, ultimately uncovering their identity, passion, and purpose.
“Our programmes are designed to help teenagers discover their potential, maximize their abilities, and excel in their endeavours. We achieve this through various initiatives, including charity outreach, seminars, counselling sessions, teen hangouts, teen camps, and the annual celebration of National Teenager Day.
“My dear teenagers, as we celebrate your potential, talents, and dreams, you must know that life is a stage, and every reality starts with a vision, because visualization is the spark that ignites the flame of possibility. Your dreams and vision are the keys to unlocking your full potential, so don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too small or too young to have big dreams and vision. Take bold action towards making your vision a reality.
“You are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of our world. Your imagination, creativity, and passion have the power to shape the world into a better place. Keep dreaming, keep pushing boundaries and keep shining your light, for someday, your vision will become a reality.”
In line with the theme for the day, From Vision to Reality, she reiterated that the teenage years are a transformative period of self-discovery and growth, saying it is the stage for laying the groundwork for a lifetime of purpose, confidence, and direction.
“However, without guidance and support, many teenagers struggle to develop a clear sense of identity. At Caverra World Foundation, we believe that empowering teenagers is crucial for building a brighter future. That’s why we’re calling on the government, like-minded organizations, and individuals to join forces with us in nurturing the next generation of leaders. Together, we can create a solid foundation for their success and make a lasting, positive impact on our nation’s future.”
Anijekwu expressed heart-felt gratitude to the sponsors and partners, namely: OCI Foundation International, MTN, Dufil Company, Checkers, Super Blend Green Tea, Seahorse Lubricant Industry, Sun Gold Company, Desmond Oatmilk, La famille Francaise Foundation, Pharmacare Support Group, Nostel Water, Diamond Spa, Mum-2-Mum Foundation, Alumni of FGC-Kano, Lagos Chapter and HFCC, adding: “Your support has been instrumental in helping us empower the next generation of leaders. We are also grateful to each of you present here today for your presence and commitment to our shared vision. From inception, many of you have been an integral part of our journey, and I’m grateful for the strong bond we’ve formed. Your dedication, expertise, and passion have made Caverra World Foundation a truly special place.”
Fair complexioned, handsome, trim and fit Godwin Nzekwe, a creative industry investor, entertainment personality, sought-after MultiChoice content producer, ace film maker and motivational speaker who is passionate about youths, and chairman at the occasion, who also gave a lecture poured encomiums on Caverra World for the well-packaged event that screamed excellence in every way – from the choice of the commodious well-decorated hall, appealing stage design to the clean sound reproduction of the public address and musical system, saying, “Everything here is beautiful. You know, the decoration is beautiful, the venue is beautiful. Even the DJ is on point. The sound is clean. So it shows that the person that organised this event is a very, very detailed person who has eyes for excellence.”
In his remarks, he told the teenagers that they have a bright and promising future. Taking his bearing from the theme of the day, From Vision to Reality, Nzekwe impressed on them that every great achievement begins with a dream and a vision. Digging into the meat of his remarks, he said: “But vision alone is not enough. It takes courage, discipline, and the right mindset to turn your dreams into reality. We are all Nigerians and we all agree with me that part of what we are still trying to address in this country today is the issue of leadership. We are having issues with leadership to this very moment because it’s not easy to lead. Before you can actually be a true leader, you yourself must be able to lead yourself. And that takes a lot of courage and a lot of discipline. To every teenager here, I want you to remember these key lessons. Number one, believe in yourself because no dream is too big for you to achieve. If you can see it in your heart, then you can work towards it. Number two, make the right choices. The decisions you make today will shape your future and will shape your tomorrow. So choose wisely. Number three, stay focused and disciplined. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, learning, and consistent effort. Number four, seek knowledge and growth. Read, learn, ask questions, and surround yourself with positive influences that push you towards excellence.
“Have a mind that is ready to learn at every point in time. When you’re walking on the street, be observant. When you’re in your school, be observant. When you’re at home, be observant. Number five, avoid negative peer pressure. Be confident in your values and don’t let anyone pressure you into making choices that will hurt your future. Number six, which is the last but not the least, make an impact. Your life is meant to be a blessing to others, whether through your talents, skills, or leadership. Always seek to make a difference. The reason we celebrate some people today is because they are standing out in a positive way.”
When it was time for his lecture, he elaborated on some of the points enumerated in his opening remarks. Zooming in on the artistic dance steps of one member of the cultural troupes that performed, he praised him for the long hours of practice and dedication that enabled him develop such talent in cultural dance. He almost likened it to the legendary foot work of the late Michael Jackson, who in his lifetime was known as the King of Pop, not only for his multi-platinum hit songs but also for his out-of-this-world, spinning “kosso” footwork when dancing.
He urged teenagers to recognize that they have the power to lead and power to change things, adding that they must have vision and be innovative in thinking. He stressed that intelligence and smartness as attributes are not enough. He urged them to have mentors who will guide them in developing a vision and help them stay focused on achieving their vision for life.
In the second lecture session, taken by Mrs. Emem Aideyan, a serial entrepreneur, life coach, public speaker, she took the teenagers on the topic, Unlocking Entrepreneurial Mindset and Skillsets, which young people and anybody at all needs to excel. Adeyan, who is a parent of two university graduates and two teenagers, set the youngsters at ease, by telling them that she would speak to them as a friend and not a parent.
Using the Founder and Chief Executive of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, as an example, Aideyan enjoined the teenagers to always look out for opportunities to meet human needs and in the process build a name that can open doors. “Anywhere you go in the world, whether Canada, United States, Britain or even in Nigeria, somebody just calls your name and your name opens doors.”
She explained that entrepreneurial mindset is a way of thinking that helps a person to see opportunities where others see problems. In other words, if a person wants to succeed in whatever one is doing, the person just has to create solutions.
“It could be as simple as selling pure water in an area such as a gated estate where there are no stores around. Why? Because a lot of times daddies and mommies are coming home and they forget that there’s no water in the house. It’s as small as waking up in the morning and washing cars for the people in your neighborhood and earning an income. It’s as small as cooking a meal for that friend, that auntie, that uncle. And then they have a visitor who just stops by, eats the meal, enjoys it, and the question pops: who made the meal? And your name comes up. And then you have become another Hilda Basi.
“It does not necessarily have to do with so much capital to start off. Having that mindset is to think outside the box. You have to be creative. You have to be resilient. You have to be confident in your ability to create solutions. When you see a challenge, instead of running away, you should ask, how can I solve that?
“You must not be afraid of failing because failing is also part of the process of succeeding in business. If you don’t succeed as an entrepreneur, you will fail many times. People will doubt you. A lot of times, do you know that even the people that you look up to the most are the ones that never support your business? So, you must know that as long as you’re offering something that the world needs and thereby creating value, your business will always sell.
“For example, we have students here. If you notice in your school that some children are not doing well in a particular subject, for instance Mathematics and you are so gifted in mathematics, what stops you from setting up a tutorial group? As long as you’re yielding results, it is the parents of the children that will start to give you tokens, not payments, but just something to encourage you. And the business has started.
“Lagos is a city that’s full of opportunities. Ask yourself, what is it that everybody needs every day? And then your business has started. Pick up opportunities everywhere you go. You must be bold, you must be confident to drive what it is that you have picked. You must be resourceful to succeed.”