The Nasir Giwa Mentorship Conference, themed “solving tomorrow’s problem today: empowering the next generation of solution-seekers,” concluded successfully in Lagos, with a resounding call to action for young people to take on the mantle of leadership and innovation.
The conference, brought together over 500 young Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to engage with prominent mentors, experts, and leaders in various fields. The event featured a keynote address, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions, all designed to inspire, equip, and empower the next generation of problem solvers.
In his keynote address, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola urged the young participants to embrace their potential and become agents of positive change.
“The challenges of tomorrow are immense, but I have no doubt that the solutions lie within the minds and hearts of this generation,” he stated.
“You have the power to shape the future you desire, but you must step up, take charge, and lead the way.”
The Monarch stressed the importance of creativity and innovation and the need to constantly identify areas of “pain” and find simple ways and innovative solutions to make life easier.
He also encouraged the participants to build their ideas into a sustainable business and not destroy it. The Olowu shared valuable insight in areas of Emotional and social intelligence. He advised the participants to build their leadership skills via these areas where he also emphasized the importance of mentorship and volunteerism.
Oba Matemilola rounded up his keynote address by leaving the participants with five valuable takeaways for them to take advantage of Youthfulness before old age, Free time before busyness, Good health before illness, Wealth before poverty, and Life before death.
The conference also featured insightful panel discussions on topics such as “How I Built It: The Untold Failures Before The Big Breaks”, which hosted the MD of Ardova Plc, Moshood Olajide, Co-founder/Partner of Verod Capital, Eric Idiahi, a Partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, Azeezat Muse-Sadiq and Suraj “Jarus” Oyewale, CEO f Jarus Homes and Investment Ltd. The panelists shared their experiences, insights, personal stories, and strategies for success and overcoming failures, encouraging the young participants to pursue their dreams with smart work and determination.
The second panel discussion titled” I Have an Idea; What’s Next?” featured industry tycoons like the CEO of Cowrywise, Razaq Ahmed, Fu’ad Lawal, Project Lead Archivi. ng and Titi Adams, Assistant General Manager of Optimus Bank. They shared great insight and practical experiences that helps one build ideas and sustainable businesses from ideation to implementation and product level, leaving the participants with a practical guide and ways by which they can use to replicate, build, and pursue their ideas.
In addition to the formal sessions, the conference provided ample opportunities for networking and collaboration among the participants. Young minds connected with mentors and industry leaders, exchanged ideas, and formed valuable connections that could lead to future partnerships and projects.
The NGM Conference also rewarded the top three winners of the NGM Essay Competition with a cumulative sum of N100,000 which was proudly sponsored by DEER Nigeria Ltd. Nusaybah Fuad-Gafar, AbdulRoqib Bello, and Nurudeen Ogundipe came 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively following a presentation from the top five finalists on the event day.
The Nasir Giwa Mentorship Conference concluded with an award and recognition ceremony for the mentees of The Nasir Giwa Mentorship Platform.
The following NGM members were awarded for the various award categories:
NGM Initiative Leadership Award;
Sheriff Alaraba, Monsurah Ahmad, Ibrahim Lasisi, Muhammad Aliyu, Azeezah Olatunde, Yusuf Olaniyi, Rahmat Arogundade, Kamoru Sodiq, and Dr Fathin Mustapha
NGM Key Contributor Award;
Omoniyi Fasasi, Sheriff Alabi, Mufidah Mohammed, Halimah Awofeso, Khadijah Abiola, Nusaybah Abdulfatah, Hikmah Ogunnubi, Olashile Abowaba, Idris Oyebanji, Hameedah Danmole, Kabeerah Aremu, and Habeeb Lawal
“We are incredibly proud of the success of this conference,” said Sheriff Alaraba, chairman of the conference planning committee. “We witnessed the spark of innovation and leadership ignite within our participants, and we are confident that they will emerge as the solution seekers and problem solvers of tomorrow.”
The NGM Conference is a testament to the power of mentorship and the potential of youth to shape the future. By empowering young people with knowledge, skills, and guidance, we can create a generation of solution-seekers who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
“We are grateful to the sponsors and partners for their support of this important event,” said Engr. Nasir Giwa, the founder/ Grand mentor of the NGM Platform, “Organizations like Eleva Group, Lotus Bank, Nestlé, Lotus Capital, Roda Homes, DEER Nigeria Ltd, Leadway Pensure, Kaid Charity Foundations, Engy Energy Ltd, Rashak Farms & Agro Allied Ltd, and many other individual donors and sponsors that contributed towards the success of this conference.”
“The Nasir Giwa Mentorship Conference has been a success, and we are confident that the participants will go on to make a significant impact in the world.”
E-Signed.
Mr. Sheriff Alaraba
Chairman conference Planning Committee
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