THE 2016 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SUMMIT AND LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

 

The City of Ibadan witnessed one of the most impactful and life-transforming event at the 2016 International Youth Summit and Leadership Conference. The Young African Diplomats Network, a youth and social development organization- established in 2014 with the aim of building the leadership capacity of youths in Urban and rural communities towards making them global citizens and leaders, hosted the maiden edition of The International Youth Summit and Leadership Conference (IYSLC). The conference was held on Wednesday 30th of November, 2016 at the American Corner Ibadan, tagged "The Impact of Good Governance and the Role of Young Nigerians as Global Shapers."

The summit had over 400 registered participants including policy makers,captains of industry, government officials,  delegates from youth organizations, young leaders and professionals, Entrepreneurs, The Press, Students of tertiary institutions, NGO founders, Mandela Washington Fellows, Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs, media outfits and social development enthusiasts from far and near, among others.  The aim of the conference targeted building the leadership capacity and professional excellence of young people as well as creating a  high-level learning, networking mentoring opportunities, and creating unprecedented impact and life-transforming experience at the event.

 The event involved a speaking session, panelists session, intermittent presentations, networking session, refreshments, award presentation and a photo session.

Presenting as the Keynote Speaker was  Honourable Babajimi Benson, a Legislator and statesman at the National House of Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Mr. Joshua Ajitena, a UK Motivational Speaker and Founder of The Genero; Mr. Chris Okagbue, Award Winning Actor, Model, Producer and Brand Ambassador at Nigerian Breweries Plc; and Mr. Adebayo Blessed Olaniyan, C.E.O and Managing Director,  Tons Development Limited all of whom served as speakers at the event.

Speaking on the panel were Bar. (Mrs)Edem Dorothy Ossai, Mandela Washington Fellow and Coordinator, MAYEIN; Mrs Odesanya Adeola, C.E.O and Founder, Benevolence Treasures; Mr. Kolawole Omoibadan Beyioku, Convener, IB Poetry Awards; Bar (Mrs) Mahmudah Tosin Yusuf, Managing Partner, Mondial Solicitors, Ibadan; Mr. Oscar Stan, C.E.O, Content Solutions Inc.; Mr. Kunle Awotiku, MD/C.E.O, Uniplan Integrated Services, and Mr. Stephen Oguntoyinbo, Talk Village International.

The conference also witnessed the presence of Mr. Wale Ozolua, Head of Programmes, Beats 97.9 FM who  as the official Host/Compere for the event; Ms. Andrea Odu-Obi, Presenter/Station Ambassador, R2929FM and host for the panel session, and Ms. Eyitayo Alimi, Virtual Reality Expert and Tedx Licences, as supporting host.

In his presentation,  Hon. Babajimi Benson explained good governance as an equation to qualitative representation. He rightly posited that the failure of the government usually emanates from failed leadership, compromised followership, and a weak institution. He noted that the youths are a beacon of hope in attaining the Nigerian dream. In his words "Youths should be given opportunities based on their competence, not on how old they are.”

Mr. Adebayo Blessed Olaniyan spoke intelligently on Business Management and Strategic Leadership. Mr. Olaniyan gave a plain talk and espoused the definition, management, functions, skills in business management and development. Worthy of note was his fortification of his speech with a quote by Rothschild, “The more unpredictable the environment, the greater the opportunity – if you have the leadership skills to capitalize.”

Speaking of  "The Power of Self-Motivation and Self-Worth in Career Success," Mr. Joshua Ajitena fired up the passion, drive, and potential of the audience towards greatness. He urged young leaders never to give up on their dream to greatness, to think globally, act locally and be the change Nigeria wants to see. Mr. Chris Okagbue unorthodox in his speaking identified the reason for Nigeria’s stagnancy as the "political nature" of most youths. In his words, “Until we stop complaining and take action in the right position, change cannot occur.”

            The panel discussion was a rich and strategically impactful session witnessing some of the most brilliant thoughts from the speakers. Mrs. Dorothy Ossai passionately shared her success story on the Challenges and Success in Civic Engagement Initiatives. Mr.Kunle Awotiku, ably represented by Dr. Triple E, discussed "Youth Employability (How to Get a Job and be Employable), Career Development and Progress." Entrepreneurship and Development: Meeting Bar took a Need. Mahmudah Tosin. Kolawole Omoibadan spoke on Mentorship As a Tool For Youth Development; Mrs. Odesanya Adeola-Achieving Success As a Media and Brand Professional; Mr. Oscar Stan: Digital/New Media and the Inherent Opportunities; and finally, Mr. Stephen Oguntoyinbo, The Global Economy, and Leveraging on International Opportunities For Young People.

At the end of the event, Mr. Fidelis Bonaventure Uzoma, Founder/Team lead of the Young African Diplomats Network, and Convener of the 2016 International Youth Summit and Leadership Conference (IYSLC) expressed his appreciation to all who made the summit a success. In a special way, he thanked and celebrated the team of professional volunteers of the Young African Diplomats Network, whom assiduously ensured the planning and execution of the conference. In appreciation, Mr. Fidelis on behalf of the Young African Diplomats Network presented awards and certificates to the speakers, panelists, hosts, and participants.

The conference was significant for its uniqueness in creating a high-level learning, networking and mentoring experience for young leaders and professionals, building their leadership capacity and connecting them to top global opportunities. From the feedbacks gathered after the event, the summit one of the most innovative and highly impactful youth conventions in Ibadan. In all, the program was a resounding success.

The 2016 International Youth Summit and Leadership Conference was proudly supported by the United States Diplomatic Mission, American Corner Ibadan, E-innovation, MêBric Technologies, President Barrack Obama Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network, ReggieBroadcasts, BrandNet, R2FM, Insurance, Think Africa, Beats 97.9FM, ScaFoundation, Cosen kitchen and Confectionery, Nairoke Entertainment and Nigerian Tribune.