The WSA Nigeria Entrepreneurship & Innovation Conference: A Beacon for Youth Innovation in Nigeria
On Saturday 21st of December 2024, I had the immense privilege of convening the WSA Nigeria Entrepreneurship & Innovation Conference, the first of its kind led by a WSA Youth Ambassador. Hosted at the prestigious University of Lagos, the conference brought together young innovators, industry leaders, and stakeholders to explore the transformative power of digital innovation under the theme "Promoting Digital Innovations Geared Towards Creating Sustainable Solutions."
The Event at a Glance
The conference was officially opened with remarks by Professor Ayodele Victoria Atsenuwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services) of the University of Lagos. In her inspiring address, she emphasized the institution’s unwavering commitment to supporting students with strong innovative ideas, noting the Vice Chancellor’s passion for digitalizing the university as a cornerstone for future-ready graduates.
The event was preceded by a 3-day virtual boot camp designed to prepare entrepreneurs and innovators with practical, hands-on sessions on product ideation, marketing strategies, financial management, branding, and pitching. Participants left equipped with actionable insights to refine and scale their innovations.
One of the distinguished guests was Mr. Emmanuel Amos, the WSA Eminent National Expert for Nigeria, who delivered an enlightening speech about the impactful work of the World Summit Awards (WSA) in identifying and promoting digital innovations that address pressing societal challenges. His insights further emphasized the importance of youth-driven solutions in advancing sustainable development.
The conference featured two engaging panel discussions:
"Building Ecosystems of Impact: The Strategic Role of Innovation and Incubation Hubs in Sustainable Development."
Speakers included Professor Sunday Adebisi, Associate Professor Olayinka Adewunmi, Associate Professor Victor Odumuyiwa, and Associate Professor Chika Yinka-Banjo, who underscored the critical role of hubs in fostering collaboration and driving sustainable development.
"Nigeria’s Startup Ecosystem: Leveraging Investment for Sustainable Scalability and Global Competitiveness."
Panelists such as Nwanne Nwonwu, Taiwo Adegbulugbe, Solomon Ayodele, and Kene Egbue shared strategies for navigating the challenges of scaling startups while staying globally competitive.
Another highlight of the conference was the Innovation Pitch Contest, where six finalists—CrestStudy, Varsigram, Apere, VerionX, Farmeley, and Aptconnect—showcased their groundbreaking ideas. CrestStudy, an innovative EdTech platform, was crowned the winner, exemplifying how youth-led ventures are addressing societal challenges through technology.
The State of Youth Innovation in Nigeria
Nigeria’s youthful population is its greatest asset, brimming with untapped potential for innovation and entrepreneurship. However, systemic challenges such as limited funding, mentorship gaps, and infrastructural barriers persist. Despite these obstacles, young Nigerians continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, leveraging digital tools to create scalable, impactful solutions. Platforms like WSA and this conference provide critical support to nurture and elevate these talents.
Key Insights and Takeaways
- Collaborative Ecosystems Matter: The discussions underscored the need for synergy between academia, industry, and policymakers to create a conducive environment for innovation.
- Empowering Innovators: Initiatives like the pre-event boot camp highlight the importance of capacity building, ensuring that youth are equipped with the skills to succeed.
- Global Perspective, Local Impact: The emphasis on leveraging digital innovations for local solutions with global relevance aligns perfectly with the WSA’s mission.
- Teamwork Drives Success: The dedication and hard work of the planning team and volunteers were instrumental in making the conference a resounding success.
Reflections
As a WSA Youth Ambassador, organizing this conference has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey. The passion and drive displayed by participants, coupled with the expertise shared by speakers and panelists, reaffirmed my belief in the potential of youth-led innovation to address societal challenges. I must also take a moment to commend the unwavering dedication and commitment of my team, whose efforts in initiating, planning, and executing this conference were nothing short of extraordinary.
A Call to Action
It is imperative for all stakeholders—governments, private entities, and international organizations—to invest in young innovators. By fostering a supportive ecosystem, we can empower the next generation to lead transformative change and drive sustainable development.
