Innovation and Technology as Catalysts for Development
The South West Youth Entrepreneurship Summit, held on Saturday, March 9th, 2024, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, showcased the pivotal role of innovation and technology in driving societal progress and economic growth in Nigeria.
Youth Empowerment for National Development
Inside Success Nigeria, the official partner of the summit, collaborated to empower aspiring young entrepreneurs, emphasising the importance of youth engagement for sustainable development.
Exploring Opportunities for Education and Success
Distinguished guests, including political leaders, entrepreneurs and the representatives of the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Oyo State, Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
Through insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, attendees were equipped with the knowledge and resources to contribute actively to the advancement of their communities and the nation as a whole.
To begin with, Dr. Jane Kimemia, the CEO of Optiva Capital, addressed the theme of enacting innovation and technology for national development. She highlighted Nigeria’s unique demographic position in an ageing world and emphasized the significance of discussing the enactment of technology in this context.
Furthermore, Dr. Kimemia emphasized the vast opportunities present in various sectors, including financial services, trade, and manufacturing. She stressed the importance of education and vocational training as crucial components for leveraging technology for national development.
In addition, Dr Kimemia urged individuals to reflect on their purpose and motivations,emphasising the need to consider one’s “why” before diving into innovation. She reiterated the idea that greatness cannot be bought, emphasising the importance of dedication and strategic planning in achieving success entrepreneurs, convened to explore opportunities for education and success in the realm of entrepreneurship and technology.
Insightful Discussions on the Role of Technology
Mr. Adekunle, Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, ignited discussions on the potential of technology to shape the future, challenging attendees to critically assess its impact on society. In a distinguished address, Mr. Adekunle, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Itinerary on Transportation, posed the pivotal question: “What can we do for the development of society?
Moreover, drawing inspiration from Aristotle’s timeless wisdom, he underscored the intrinsic nature of human beings to pursue hobbies, hinting at the potential for personal passions to contribute to societal progress. Continuing the discourse, Mr Adekunle delved into the ubiquitous presence of technology in contemporary life, prompting reflection on its impact.
Championing Innovation for National Progress
Besides, with a poised inquiry, he asked whether technology yields more harm or good, challenging listeners to critically assess its role in shaping our collective future. Transitioning to a forward-looking perspective, Mr. Adekunle championed the theme of enacting innovation and technology for the advancement of youth. Proposing a pragmatic approach, he emphasized the imperative for Nigerian youths to actively engage in politics, citing it as the way forward. With conviction, he affirmed that every vote holds significance, urging all to conscientiously participate in the democratic process.
The Editorial team of Inside Success Nigeria had an engaging interview session with the keynote speakers.
Interview with Dr Jane Kimenia, CEO of Optiva Capital Partner
Dr. Jane Kimemia, serving as the Chief Executive Officer at Optiva Capital Partners, brings over 23 years of extensive experience in financial services. Her expertise spans various client segments, including Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking, with specializations in transactional banking, lending, and Wealth Management. Before her role at Optiva Capital Partners, Dr Jane held the position of Executive Director and Head of Wealth Management at Standard Chartered Bank, overseeing operations in the East Africa region, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Optiva Capital Partners is a wealth management company specializing in investment immigration advisory and insurance services.
Dr. Jane Kimenia: There are numerous female empowerment initiatives provided by both government and organizations. First, youths should embrace opportunities, pursue education if not already attained, seek mentorship, prioritize sustainability, and adopt a value-centric mindset.
Question 2: From your background, growing up in both Kenya and the USA, how did your upbringing impact you positively as a youth?
Dr. Jane Kimenia: My upbringing provided a blend of cultural diversity and instilled a sense of self-awareness. My parents encouraged me with a ‘no limitations’ mindset, emphasizing the importance of planning, education, and independence. This enabled me to maximize my youthfulness and have a clear vision for my future endeavours. Many Nigerian youths should focus on self-awareness and avoid blindly following trends, as success requires purposeful actions.
Question 3: Your speech highlighted the percentage of Nigerian youth who are unemployed and struggle to maximize technology. What do you believe Nigerian youth should do differently?
Dr. Jane Kimenia: Embracing technology presents vast opportunities, especially in financial services where I’ve spent over a decade. Additionally, exploring opportunities in trade, manufacturing, and vocational training can lead to success. Youth must define their ‘why’ and purpose before pursuing innovation. Greatness cannot be bought; it requires dedication and strategic planning.
Interview with Adetola Adedibu, Special Assistant to the Governor of Oyo State (Seyi Makinde) on Liaison Office in Abuja
Inside Success Nigeria: What do you think is the challenge for Nigerian youth in enacting technological advancement?
Adetola Adedibu: Nigerian youth are renowned worldwide for their productivity and creative brilliance, especially in the financial technology sphere. However, they lack adequate support to enhance their proficiency. Unlike youths in some other countries, where governance institutions provide robust digital infrastructure and tools, Nigerian youths often face hurdles in accessing such resources.
Despite this support being crucial, it’s essential to consider whether our youths are adequately prepared. Technology evolves rapidly, and thus, they need to possess relevant skills to navigate this dynamic landscape.
Additionally, Nigerian youths must adopt a proactive approach and embrace diversity in job creation.
Interview with Adebola Bolaji, Realtor and Entrepreneur
Inside Success Nigeria: Question: As a successful entrepreneur, mentor, and coach, what do you think young Nigerian youths should do to embrace success in entrepreneurship?
Adebola Bolaji: Nigerian youths should actively seek mentorship from those who have excelled in entrepreneurship. One major hurdle is that many youths aspire to reach the top without taking the necessary initial steps.
Moreover, success in entrepreneurship requires acquiring essential training, skills, and knowledge. It’s important to understand that entrepreneurship demands dedication and hard work; it’s not a path for the lazy or idle.
Additionally, while anyone can become an entrepreneur, not everyone will succeed. Nigerian youths must prioritize building their capacity.
Inside Success Nigeria: Aside from building capacity and acquiring relevant training, what do you believe the government or corporate organizations can do to support young Nigerian entrepreneurs?
Adebola Bolaji: There are various grants available from both government and established organizations. However, accessibility to these grants and the qualifications required for Nigerian youths to receive them are crucial factors. For instance, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State recently announced a N50,000 grant for students to assist them. The government and corporate organisation need to ensure that such grants are not only accessible but also tailored to the needs of young Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Conclusion:
The South West Youth Entrepreneurship Summit provided a platform for young entrepreneurs to engage with industry experts and leaders, fostering discussions on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. As Nigeria seeks to drive national development, the active involvement of its youth is imperative. Through mentorship, education, and access to resources, young Nigerians can leverage their skills and creativity to contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth. With the support of government and corporate organisation, the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian youth can be nurtured, leading to a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
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