Samira Bawumia Empowers Budding Entrepreneurs

The Second Lady of Ghana, Mrs Samira Bawumia has urged the youth to make full use of their talents if they hope to be successful in life.

Mrs Samira Bawumia was speaking at the third Arts Exhibition and Empowerment Summit organised by budding artist, Obeng Preko on the theme: “Talent and career; the way forward,” which came off at the Achimota Retail Centre in Accra last Saturday.

According to her, young people can be successful with the right use of their talent and hard work. “We are in an era where every talent matters and it is no longer about what to do to get employed but rather what to do to be fulfilled and make a difference,” she said.

Obeng Preko, who is a student of the University of Ghana, Legon has always had a passion for fine arts which he took up to support his education. He has been at it for 13 years but decided to make it a serious business about three years ago.

Mrs Bawumia said she wanted to support him to be successful. “When I met him the first time, he presented me with a painting that was like nothing I have seen before. It was very impressive and at that moment I knew I wanted to be part of what he is doing,” she said.

She also advised young people to be passionate about whatever they do. “You have to look within and ask yourself, what you have that sets you apart from everyone else and pursue it with passion. We should be passionate about our jobs too.”

Obeng Preko, who is the CEO of Alive Paintings said the Arts exhibition and empowerment summit was to inspire the youth to start up something on their own.

“One individual one business. We don’t have to rely entirely on the government for jobs to be successful. Be independent and have confidence in whatever you do. You will be surprised at the results,” he added.

Other special guests at the event included Nana Tweneboa-Boateng, CEO of Empretec Ghana, Mr Potter, a Manager at the Movenpick Hotel and the Marketing Manager of the Achimota Retail Centre who also inspired the audience.

A number of paintings by Obeng Preko were also unveiled. The Second Lady unveiled the first work which was a portrait of her with live effects and all the details were done to perfection.

Nana Tweneboa-Boateng unveiled the second art work which was also his portrait. The Kente cloth he wore in the painting and gold watch on his wrist were as real as they appeared.

The third painting was of two women, dressed richly in Kente and adorned with beads who were dancing.

Obeng Preko explained that he wanted the paintings to be as true to life and that was why he purchased the exact materials and added it to the paintings.

The event was also interspersed with performances by Timmy the Poet and Seyram whose lovely guitar work was lauded by the Second Lady.

Source: Graphic