Youth Entrepreneurship

South-West Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2025: A Catalyst for Change and Empowerment

The South-West Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2025 (Season 2), organized by the Empowerment and Leadership Development Foundation, was a resounding success, bringing together key stakeholders, policymakers, and passionate youths to address unemployment and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

A Gathering of Change-Makers
The event, held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, was graced by the Honorable Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, ably represented by Hon. Olalekan Biliamin Oba, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Social Development. Also present was the Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Hon. Sola Olofin, represented by Mr. Hansur Hanger, BAT Vanguard Secretary in Lagos State. The summit also welcomed Mrs. Toyin Aralepo, a member of the Forbes Finance Council, and other distinguished guests dedicated to the cause of youth empowerment. Amb Desmond Femi Agboola- Convener SWYES Delivered a welcoming Address.

Empowering South-West Youths
The South-West Youth Entrepreneurship Summit & Training Program is designed to equip 300 selected youths from the six states of the South-West region with practical skills in technology, agriculture, waste management, Fashion, confectioneries, and bag/shoe making. This initiative aims to tackle the growing unemployment crisis by nurturing job creators and innovative problem-solvers.

In his keynote speech, the Hon. Minister, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, emphasized the government’s responsibility to support youth-focused initiatives, pledging backing for the April 2025 training sessions across the South-West states. He commended the organizers for their dedication to reducing unemployment and creating sustainable opportunities for the youth.

Panel Discussions and Goodwill Messages
The event featured a thought-provoking panel session moderated by Amb. Odunola Abayomi, Founder of TOD Media. The panel included notable personalities like:

Mr. Adewale Abidakun – CEO, BlueMart Realty Ltd.
Dr. Mrs. Enitan Oteju Ibironke – Business Coach and Entrepreneur

Dr.Bldr Abdulhakeem Odegade MD/CEO Akmodel Group

Toba-Dosumu L.A. – Brand Strategist and Creative Designer

Tofunmi Akinseye- CEO/ Founder Savvy Media Africa

Mr Ifetayo Adeniyi- CEO Megastar communications

Mr Seun Oniyide – Enterprenuer
A goodwill message from Engr. Ibrahim Adigun of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, further inspired the participants, underscoring the power of collaboration and innovation among the youth.

A Life-Changing Moment for Sulaimon the Shoemaker
A remarkable highlight of the summit was the inspiring pitch by Sulaimon, a young shoemaker passionate about his craft. Moved by his story, three of the panelists extended significant support to elevate his business:

Toba-Dosumu L.A. offered a one-month free brand strategy and creative design service to help build Sulaimon’s brand identity.
Dr. Mrs. Enitan made a generous financial contribution to support his business growth.
Mr. Abdulhakeem, CEO of AKModel Group, provided a remarkable ₦1 million to scale Sulaimon’s shoe-making business, demonstrating the power of intentional support.

Acknowledgments and Support
The success of the South-West Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2025 was made possible through the support of media partners such as ASO Multi-Media, TOD Media, Megastar Communications, Digital Space Capital, Akmodel Group, , Arise News, 9News Nigeria and other dedicated collaborators.

A Brighter Future Ahead
As we anticipate the commencement of the training program in April 2025, the Empowerment and Leadership Development Foundation remains committed to nurturing an empowered, self-reliant, and innovative generation of youth in the South-West.