Helen Atim Sosu-Ezirim is a youth empowerment advocate, entrepreneur and founder, The Street University Project (TSUP), a free entrepreneurial and empowerment programme for underprivileged youths from the slums and challenged backgrounds. The native of Badagry area of Lagos State is also a TV presenter, spoken word poet, event planner, writer and authored the poetic motivational bestseller book “The Street University” by Helen Sosu. Winner of The Editor’s Choice award by the International Library of Poetry, USA, and recipient the MDGs Awards on hunger and poverty alleviation. In this interview with GERALDINE AKUTU, she talked about her initiative, new projects amongst other issues.
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How did you get your idea or concept to start The Street University Project?
It started after the publication of my book, The Street University, the huge reviews it got made me think it should be taken a notch higher, and also help youths in our society.
What was your mission at the outset?
Being someone who grew up in Ajegunle, and knowing the challenges that youths face there, although I was privileged to go to very good schools and see the world, I never forgot where I came from. So The Street University Project (TSUP) was berthed to empower underprivileged youths in skills for free.
What are your responsibilities as the business owner?
I am always excited to try on new things and looking for the next big thing in my business. The responsibility of being the strategic planner and concept creator for all events rests on me.
What were your initial problems you faced while starting your business?
The uncertainty of how to start. I wanted to do a whole lot at the same time, I think that happens to people who are creatively inclined. Your mind is spinning with a whole lot you want to churn out.
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How were you able to solve those problems?
I work with a dedicated team. We have been able to narrow it down to the core of our business, and so we are able to anchor all we do around that. Basically, always remembering the essence of the services we render.
What is unique about the The Street University Project (TSUP)?The Street University Project (TSUP) is a youth entrepreneurial empowerment program especially for underprivileged youths, and we work using the traffic light colours as our insignia. Red is the motivational workshops where we bring in celebrities who are from the streets to share their experiences, helping the youths to boost their self worth. Yellow is where we train them in various relevant empowerment skills for free by professionals. We have had gurus like Clarence Peters, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Joke Silva, Uche Iroha, Adasa Cookey, Ita Asuquo, Black Image, Zeb Ejiro, Ali Baba, Festus Keyamo (Minister for Aviation), Lexy Mojo-Eyes, Dr. Eddie Iroh, Pupa Orits Wiliki, Tee Mac and many more on boardGreen, is when they are ready to use their acquired skills to improve their situation.
How has the journey been so far?
It has been a tremendous success and we hope to do more. It is my joy to see these young ones from underprivileged background excel. TSUP has a track record of motivating and empowering thousands of youths in various skills since May 2008,.TSUP received the GAMA awards for Social service of the year. As for business, I am the CEO of WE ARE P.O.E.T.S (People Of Exceptional Talents & Skills). An entertainment platform for celebrating people with unique skills and talents; as well as creating unique and positively enhancing ideas, concepts and strategic planning for movies, events, media, conferences and shows. It is also a platform for appreciating and promoting poets and the poetry genre. One of my favourite practices is creating and developing TV contents both for entertainment and education purposes. I am the CEO of House Of Hokame, an interior design and fashion accessories business.
To what do you attribute your success?
Teamwork. I work with a dedicated team. Teamwork brings unity and strong working relationship. Working together as a team makes work a lot easier, promotes innovation and reduces stress. Having a good team to work with has helped me to stay grounded and increased our efficiency.
What drives you to keep going when it’s really tough?
My passion and determination. I am usually very passionate about any project and business that I handle.
You have passion for young people. What made you go into youth empowerment?
I grew up seeing my mother taking care of strangers, she had no qualms lending a helping hand to the needy. I felt I had an assignment to continue in that line with youths especially, because I grew up seeing what lack of opportunity does to them.
What advice do you have for young ones out there facing one challenge or the other?
I know it’s not easy and times are really challenging, but keep pushing. Speak to someone if you need to and don’t be shy or afraid to ask for help. Any opportunity to improve on yourself that would give a better advantage in life, grab it with both hands. Improve your skill set, it will change your life for the better anywhere in the world.
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What are some of the projects you are working on?
We have a few skills empowerment events from The Street University Project (TSUP) lined up, especially as it relates to AI and creativity amongst youths. We are hoping to receive support from public and private sectors so that we can really spread our reach round the country, as it has been on personal funds from my team and I all these years. From our WE ARE POETS platform, we would be embarking on more entertainment inclined projects, and we are very excited about them.
What advice would you give young entrepreneurs?Hang in there, be patient, stay focused despite the distractions, discouragement and disadvantages, your tenacity will pay off in time. Also learn to use the tools available that would help your business grow faster and give you more time to harness your entrepreneurial skills, helping you to stay on top and not under.
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