Lagos — Hauwa Adamu's favourite subjects are Chemistry and Biology. Notwithstanding that oil is the backbone of Nigeria's economy, the SS2 student of Government Secondary School, Jiwa, Abuja, said she knew nothing about how the country became one of its major producers in the world.

That was until she participated in the Abuja edition of this year's Career Workshop, organised by the 'Vision 2020 Youth Empowerment and Restoration Initiative', a brainchild or Lonadek Oil and Gas Consultants.

'The History of Oil and Gas in Nigeria' was one of the films showed the participants, about 1, 000 students, drawn from both public and private schools across the federal capital. There were other film shows on 'The Bonga' and operations of Addax Petroleum, Platinum Sponsors of the event; as well as addresses by other sponsors - MTN, Total and Chevron.

Participants were also taken through how to start their own businesses, motivational talk, as well as an interactive session on industry awareness and career counseling.

Importantly, the students now know that the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), which hitherto gave scholarships to post graduate students, has now been challenged by the career workshop to 'catch them young' by partnering with the organisers.

Opportunities for scholarship also abound in the maritime sector as the students were told by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Twenty-five youths are currently in India, part sponsored by the agency, to train as Marine Engineers, among others.

To get any of these however, Mathematics, English Language and three science subjects are compulsory. Managing Director of Addax Petroleum, Mr. Vance Querio, who was represented by Mr Bola Akano, a General Manager; told the story of how he has had "a most fulfilling and rewarding career in oil and gas, having excelled in English, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics and later studying Mechanical Engineering at Bachelor's and Master's levels.

Chairman, Board of Trustees, Vision 2020, Dr. Olatokunbo Somolu said as the search for tomorrow's leaders continues the programmes and activities of Youth Empowerment and Restoration Initiative will continue to provide a platform to build a solid future for Nigerian youths."

Mrs. Somolu, an Engineer said, "offering scholarships to the best children, who excel in mathematics, science and technology is one of several ways to encourage our youths in our drive towards the restoration initiative."

Principal Coordinator, Vision 2020, Dr. Ibilola Amao said, "We are doing this because we are not happy with the values that Nigerians are adding in the Oil and Gas industry. We thought if we spread the news about opportunities in the Oil and Gas industry to young people who have a passion for mathematics, the sciences and Information Communication Technology (ICT); and they go into the industry early to add value, then there will be a transformation in the industry."

Each student went home with a school bag containing a mathematical chart, exercise book, mathematical set, metric graph book, the organisation's newsletter and two Oil and Gas careers handbooks, one for technical and the other for non technical professionals.

'Interesting', was one word that ran through the students' responses. "The workshop was very interesting. I also like the way we were treated." Blessing Anyanwu, SS2 student of Divine Mercy Secondary School, said, "Everything about the programme was interesting. It has taught me to dare to be different, know my value and self worth. It is not just about oil and gas but how to make your future bright not for yourself but for people around you."

Faith Adim: Army Day Secondary School, Asokoro said, "the programme is encouraging. It helps youths in discovering who they want to become in life. When we heard the speakers talk, we aspired to be like them. It has helped us discover that nothing is impossible in this life if you are determined."