Purpose-Drive Global, a Nigerian-based NGO has hosted its second edition of the annual Gen Z Summit Africa in Lagos, Nigeria recording over 700 enthusiasts across technology, media and entrepreneurship.
The Summit held at the J.F Ade Ajayi Auditorium Hall, UNILAG brought together Gen Z Leaders and professionals to learn, connect and be inspired by industry leaders and changemakers.
Themed: ‘The Intersection,’ The Gen Z Summit focused on three major industries, bringing together over 700 Gen Z leaders, 17 phenomenal speakers, and 23 partner organizations across the media, technology and entrepreneurship landscape.
Prasanna Kumar Burri, the Group CIO of Dangote Group gave a keynote speech, asked participants to pay attention to the value system and ensure that this value system guides their decisions and activities in the industry.
“Well, having the right value system is key, but even if values come later, keep in mind that the digital ecosystem we have today keeps a record of everything we do. Nothing is private, nothing is invisible.
“That’s the plus and the minus of the world that we live in today, the digital sphere. We need to be cognizant that actions have consequences and it can leave a very lasting image, a mark on your career. So, you don’t want to mess it up” he said.
Second keynote speaker, Debola Deji-Kurunmi, Founder of IMMERSE Coaching Company and Executive Director of Ideation Hub Africa, urged Gen Zs to obtain a willingness, determination and commitment to make an impact and embrace a vision worth fighting for. She also made a remarkable statement that many Gen Z Leaders resonated with “When you have a mission, you do not need permission” she said.
Guest speaker, Oluwatoyin Banjo, a global catalyst for change and founder of Managers Toolkit Africa, elaborated on the topic, Hacking the system for good, learning to utilize media, tech, and entrepreneurship for social change.
The first panel session, moderated by Sarah Oiza Aliu focused on practical strategies to maintain your uniqueness in the world of media, technology and entrepreneurship. Speaking on thepanel session were, Afolabi Sokeye, a driven Product Manager; Orifunke Lawal, Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor; Tobi Ayodele, Co-Founder of Cybersecurity Education Initiative; and Victor Fatanmi, Co-Founder of FourthCanvas and Fullgap.
The second panel session, moderated by Feolami Awe-Joseph focused on bridging the gap in business education for Gen Zs in Media, Technology and Entrepreneurship, speaking were Emmanuel Nduka, Co-Founder of Scholarly and popularly known as the Elumelu boy; Francis Imariabe, Founder of Wealthmark Farms and convener of the DoLBaF Conference; Oluchukwu Chiadika, Founder of Your Personal Finance Girl; Solomon Ayodele, Head of Innovation at WEMA Bank & ALATByWEMA; Rosemond Phil-Otitihawa, A Google Accelerator Mentor and Haoma Worgwu, the LinkedIn Queen.
The Summit saw a session anchored by Stephanie Egharevba which deliberated on the importance of promoting accessibility and equal opportunities for all, especially for individuals with disabilities.
Addressing the prevalence of mental health issues among the Gen Z demographic and increasing rates of suicide, the summit provided a spotlight session on the importance of mental health featuring representatives from two mental health organisations in Nigeria, Henrietta Iriogbe of the Anti-Suicide and Depression Squad, and Chenaniah Bamishile of the Niah Foundation where issues regarding mental health issues, causes and remedies were discussed.
Yinka David-Kaiyewu, Convener of the Gen Z Summit Africa and Founder/Executive Director of Purpose-Drive Global affirmed that the summit successfully achieved its objective of empowering young leaders in media, technology, and entrepreneurship and is motivated continue on their mission of fostering innovation and positive change in the years to come.
“The summit was more than just an event, it was a transformative experience that left a strong impression on our delegates. We are proud to have played a role in empowering the rising generation of leaders and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.” She said.
The event ended with presentation of awards tagged Gen Z Awards 2.0 to 10 individuals for their visible impact in the media, technology and entrepreneurship industries.
Purpose-Drive Global is a Nigerian-based NGO set to ignite the potential within Africa’s Gen Zs by providing them with the necessary tools, resources and platform to become influential leaders and changemakers in media, technology and entrepreneurship.
