LIBRARIAN SPOTLIGHT: PST. DOMINIC OMOKARO RECOGNIZED AS LIBRARIAN OF THE MONTH FORMARCH
The Librarian Spotlight Programme is an inspiring initiative for the library and information science community across Africa. Its mission? To amplify the impact of outstanding librarians who have made exemplary contributions to their field. Through monthly YouTube live interviews, this platform showcases their experiences, impact, and passion, inspiring fellow professionals and shaping the future of libraries and information centers.
In the spirit of celebrating excellence, the March Edition of the Librarian Spotlight held on the 16th of March, 2024, was a momentous occasion. We had the privilege of honouring Pastor Dominic Omokaro, the 22nd President of the Nigerian Library Association, as the Librarian of the Month. Let’s dive into the enlightening highlights of the event!
THE INTERVIEW
The live session started with anticipation as viewers from different parts of the world tuned in. The chat section overflowed with greetings, emojis, and congratulatory messages as the host – Sylvester Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian), welcomed everyone and introduced the man of the hour – Pst Dominic Amenaghamwon Omokaro.
Pastor Omokaro shared the journey of how he started, advancing from a Library Prefect in secondary school to becoming a Director at the National Defence College and now President of the NLA. He narrated how his fate and destiny made his principal appointed him to setup their school library – an activity that shaped his entire professional journey.
Omokaro’s advocacy work extends beyond library walls. Asides serving the NLA in various capacities, chairing several committees under 5 different Presidents including the committee that liaised with the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) to facilitate NLA’s membership as a professionally recognized association, he introduced innovations in organizing NLA events, appointed NLA Brand Ambassadors, and initiated the annual NLA Awards Dinner to recognize outstanding librarians.
When asked what inspired his “engage, connect, collaborate and enable” approach to leadership, and how he applies them to foster innovation and collaboration amongst Nigerian Librarians he said, “Attending IFLA 2022 opened my eyes to begin to design a theme that I would run with as President of the NLA. What I have done is to make sure that I am engaging with our stakeholders….” He collaborated with the LRCN, and key stakeholders in the education sector to advocate for the movement of LIS department to the faculty of Social Science, now captured in the newly unveiled CCMAS by NUC.
The President also encouraged Nigerian Librarians to join in a trendy video initiated by the Nigerian Library Association and the Digital Librarian tagged the #LibrarianChallenge aimed at promoting library and information science and debunking of stereotyped narratives.
LIBRARIAN OF THE MONTH
At the end of the interview session, the host announced a surprise guest—Dr. Neemat D. Abdulrahim, a scholar and ambassador of the NLA. Her presence came as a surprise to our honoree. While recognizing Pastor Omokaro as Librarian of the month and presenting a Digital Certificate and Plaque, she said, “your exemplary achievements and exceptional contributions to the field of Library and Information Science have garnered widespread admiration, and I am one of those who admire you for what you are doing… I am really proud of you and you merit this award.”
WATCH THE REPLAY HERE:
Key Takeaways from the Conversation with Librarian of the Month for March:
- Passion fuels progress as seen in Pastor Omokaro’s commitment to advocacy and positive change in the field of librarianship in Nigeria.
- Community Engagement matters and Libraries thrive when they engage with stakeholders and their communities.
As the Librarian Spotlight continues to shine, we celebrate Pastor Dominic Omokaro. His leadership direction reminds us that libraries are not mere buildings; they are vessels of hope, knowledge, and societal transformation.
For those who missed the live interview, we hope that this report captures the essence of the enlightening interview. We say special ‘thank you’ to the Librarian Spotlight Evaluation Committee, our Readers, Subscribers, Guests, and our dear sponsor –Libtech.
Let’s continue to celebrate excellence until we meet again in April, one librarian at a time!
‘Librarian Spotlight – amplifying impact to inspire positive change’
WeeK 7 of 7 Habits for Year 2024 – (SYNERGIZE) Stephen Covey’s Book Review
In our 8-week journey through Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, we’ve gotten to learn so much about the transformative principles that mold highly effective individuals. Last week, we reached another key point: the discussion of the 6th Habit, Synergize, with our esteemed guest, Nurse Juliet Alabrah. Her perspective not only shed more light on Covey’s teachings but also showcased the power of synergy in real-world applications.
The Essence of Synergy
Synergy, as Covey defines it, signifies that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a concept that transcends mere collaboration; it’s about creating something new and extraordinary from individual contributions. Nurse Juliet highlighted how synergy is a catalyst, propelling us beyond our comfort zones and into a level of unprecedented growth and achievements.
Through the session, there were five key takeaways:
- That recognizing each individual’s unique talents and perspectives enriches the collective output.
- That effective synergy requires openness, listening, and suspending judgment.
- That engaging with others in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding fosters innovative solutions.
- That synergy is rooted in the belief that everyone can benefit, advocating for mutual gains over individual victories.
- At the heart of synergy is the power of relationships, underscored by reciprocal caring and shared success.
A very inspiring aspect of our discussion was Nurse Juliet’s personal journey, particularly her application of synergy in confronting and overcoming cancer. Her story is a testament to the role of proactivity and synergy, not just in teamwork but in personal resilience and transformation. She emphasized the importance of a positive mindset, continuous learning, and leveraging different experiences to navigate life’s challenges.
We also read aloud from the book, a story, recounting a classroom experience where synergy transformed the educational process. Students who were, initially confined to conventional learning structures, found themselves in a deeply collaborative and creative dynamic, reshaping their learning journey. This narrative vividly shows how synergy can redefine limits and unlock collective potentials.
CALL TO ACTION
As we concluded the session, viewers were reminded of the impact of embracing and fostering synergistic relationships in all areas of life. Just as in the book, Stephen talks about Synergy in Classroom, in Business, etc. No doubt this review has been an enlightening one, offering deep insights into becoming more effective individuals. As we prepare for the final week (Week 8 – Habit 7), we look forward to encapsulating the essence of these principles and their applicability in our daily lives
WATCH THE REPLAY HERE:
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WeeK 6 of 7 Habits for Year 2024 – (SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD) Stephen Covey’s Book Review
Last weekend during our review of Stephen Covey’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” our focus shifted to the habit of seeking first to understand, then to be understood. This session delved into the principles of effective communication, empathy, and interpersonal understanding. Our special guest for the enlightening review was Cephas Onwuliri, whose insights enriched the conversation.
One of the key pillars of Habit 5 is empathetic listening. We learned the profound impact of genuinely listening to others. Empathetic listening goes beyond hearing words; it involves understanding emotions, perspectives, and unspoken messages.
Diagnose Before You Prescribe
Before offering solutions or advice, Covey advises diagnosing the situation thoroughly. Mr. Cephas and Sylvester read aloud illustrations in the book that Covey used in emphasizing the importance of diagnosing before prescribing, one of such was the story of the optometrist. Rushing to offer solutions without fully understanding the problem often leads to frustration and ineffective outcomes. Taking the time to listen and diagnose ensures that our responses are thoughtful and meaningful.
Mr. Cephas pointed out the importance of understanding the root causes of issues and acknowledging diverse perspectives before formulating responses or solutions. Effective communication requires an understanding of others’ perspectives and perceptions. We also discussed the role of empathy and perspective-taking in bridging communication gaps and fostering empathy in interactions. Once understanding is established, Covey advocates for expressing one’s own perspective and the importance of clarity, transparency, and assertiveness in articulating thoughts, feelings, and intentions.
As we reflect on the insights shared last week, we are reminded of the transformative potential of seeking first to understand, then to be understood. By cultivating empathy, active listening, and genuine communication, we can foster deeper connections, resolve conflicts, and build more harmonious relationships in all aspects of our lives.
WATCH THE REPLAY HERE:
Next is Habit 6 – Synergize – Principles of Creative Cooperation, to be explored in Week 7.
To achieve your Career and Personal Development Goals, join the Upskill and Connect Village –https://www.thedigital-librarian.com/upcoming-events
