by Isi Esene

The Future Project, during the weekend, brought together the best crop of young people from all walks of life and diverse vocations with the potential to change Nigeria for the better.

This year’s The Future Awards (TFA) has come; recognized young achievers; and gone, but its lessons and memories will continue to linger. Here we bring you a few reactions and testimonies to the impact of the prestigious awards.

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“It is ok to fall out of love for Nigeria, doubt it, fight it, protest; but you must return to it.” – Chude Jideonwo

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“I keep emphasising, many young people need to take a break from criticizing government and see how we can create value.” – Chude Jideonwo, Executive Director of The Future Project

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“One of the nice things TFA does 🙂 I’ve knocked the voting (I’m old school) but this shows that unknown names don’t hurt chances.” – Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative Nigeria

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“Before I came to this venue, I went into the bathroom, closed the shower and prayed hard to win… I knew God will never fall my breast.” – Denrele Edun, after winning the On Air Personality (OAP) of the Year (TV) award

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“It was very refreshing to meet the group of enterprising and dedicated young people at The Future Awards yesterday.” – Tony O. Elumelu, MFR, the Keynote speaker at the event

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“It is a BRILLIANT initiative and @Chude ‘s contribution to nation building must be recommended.” – @Naijabloke, a Twitter commentator

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“One of the cores of a leader is to transfer his DNAs down to his team.”– Tony O. Elumelu, MFR, the Keynote speaker at the event

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“Your dreams can come through, if you have the ability to execute (a blend of hardwork, tenacity & sacrifice).” – Tony O. Elumelu, MFR

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“Think of Institutionalizing your business from Day 1, resilience is also key to sustaining an enterprise” – Tony O. Elumelu, MFR

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“Nigeria is not a great country. It wasn’t great yesterday, it isn’t great today.” – Chude Jideonwo

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“The Future Awards told me, ‘Tolu, you’re not insane’… It gave us media recognition.” – Tolu Sangosanya, Founder, LOTS Resource Centre

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“God bless all the organisers of #TFA2012” – Sameer Soye, a Twitter commentator