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The coming
of Serena and Venus to the Centre of Excellence is arguably another
milestone due to the fact that the trip would provide them an
opportunity to meet with women, young people and other cadres through
the ‘Breaking The Mould’ campaign, a women’s empowerment initiative that
was recently launched as a platform to inspire, motivate and empower
the womenfolk so that they can achieve whatever they set their heart to
achieve.
The choice of Lagos is symbolic in many
ways. Apart from being Nigeria’s former political capital, it is the
melting point for all socio-economic classes in the country and a home
to over 250 ethnic groups. The unity-in-diversity advantage and strength
in homogeneity, which are characteristic of Nigeria’s geographic
make-up, are easily expressed in Lagos as the self-imposed barriers that
are peculiar in other climes easily melt in the megacity-state. Aside,
Lagos occupies a prime position as the second fastest growing city in
Africa and the seventh in the world. The state also boasts the busiest
air and sea ports in the West African sub region. Lagos, to a vast
majority of people, is the land of opportunities and endless
possibilities or what has become an epithet, Eko for show!
Thus, the planned visit of the Williams
sisters is one big plus to the country. One of the immediate benefits is
the improvement in Nigeria’s low reputation which has been tainted by
the current challenges that we are facing. If one goes by the daily
incidents of suicide bombing, flooding, armed robbery and corruption of
the political leadership, one is bound to lose hope. But, with the visit
of these international champions, there is an encouragement and a ray
of hope that things will get better. I see this visit in itself as a
breaking of the mould of pessimism that has beclouded the minds of
millions of Nigerians.
In another light, the visit would impact
the tourism potential of Lagos as a destination for business and
leisure. Williams sisters’ visit is a demonstration to international
tourists and foreign investors, who are pessimistic about coming to
Nigeria that, despite all the negative media reports this country is
still a safe place to visit and do business.
Their engagement sessions which will
include a tennis clinic, exhibition match and a gala award night will
also serve to dismantle other moulds. For instance, they will help women
to overcome the negative mentality that women are second-rate citizens;
that the girl-child does not deserve the best in life. It is also
important to note that the inspiration from the Williams will help to
enlighten Nigerians that education is essential although it does not
solely determine success. Many will also discover that greatness is
possible in a place like Nigeria while they will teach those virtues
that make success attainable.
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