The 2024 Youth Leadership Summit, hosted by the Strategy for Mentoring Initiative and Leadership Empowerment (S.M.I.L.E.) in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Nigeria, has emphasised the significance of youth in driving Africa’s progress.
The summit, organised to commemorate International Youth Day, brought together hundreds of youth leaders, advocates, and participants from diverse backgrounds, uniting under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” The summit was held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Regal Hall in Lagos.
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Mrs. Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins, Founder and President of S.M.I.L.E., highlighted the importance of celebrating Nigerian youth, expressing that one day is insufficient to showcase their abilities and contributions. She urged a shift in perspective, advocating for recognising youth as assets rather than problems. “We need to change the dynamics and begin to think of them as assets,” Bamgbose-Martins stated, emphasising the untapped potential within Nigeria’s youth that can drive the nation forward.
Fostering Innovation Beyond IYD 2024
Mr. Ronald Kayanja, Director of the United Nations Information Centre, stressed that the responsibility to secure Africa’s future lies within the continent. He emphasised that “Africa must invest in innovation, research, and S.T.E.M. courses,” and urged young people to take charge of their destiny by embracing these fields and contributing to the continent’s sustainable development.
A highlight of the summit was the keynote speech by Mr. Idy Enang, CEO of Corporate Shepherds Limited, on the theme “SOAR: Elevating Youth to New Heights in Business, Career, and Aspirations.” Mr. Enang outlined three key factors for achieving greatness: Grace, Guts, and Grit. He emphasized the importance of cultivating these virtues to rise to new heights, stating, “Never sit where people are saying things; sit where people are doing things.”
Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, MD/CEO of Redi-Med Consulting Services, delivered an insightful session on “Leading with Wholesomeness: Your Mental Health and Well-being.” She emphasized the importance of managing stress and protecting mental health by cultivating a healthy mindset, managing emotions, and building empowering beliefs.
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Youth Perspectives on Leadership and Mindset
A participant at the summit, Joy Oloyede, emphasised the importance of mindset in addressing Africa’s challenges. He argued that while technology and artificial intelligence are vital tools, “the solution to Nigeria’s problem or any problem you have in Nigeria is we as humans and our mind….” He also stressed the need for personal development and mental transformation among the youth.
Inclusive Leadership and Collaboration
S.M.I.L.E.’s 2024 Youth Leadership Summit celebrated young leaders and showcased inclusivity. The event provided opportunities for youth with disabilities to learn and gain clarity, ensuring no one is left behind in the journey towards leadership and personal development. The event also fostered collaborations and partnerships among young people, encouraging them to work together to address common challenges and achieve shared goals.
The summit left participants with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to making meaningful contributions to their communities. It underscored the importance of mentorship, adult involvement in youth development, and the power of collaboration in driving Africa’s progress.
