GetFundedAfrica’s Ecosystem Partner Firstclass Edge Hub Organizes CREAVATION 1.0 to Develop Academic and Entrepreneurship Excellence in Nigerian Youths
On the 13th of May 2023, the University of Ibadan campus bubbled with smiles, excitement and pictures as the Firstclass Edge Hub, founded by Israel Alabi hosted the 2nd edition of the Academic and Entrepreneurship Summit, tagged CREAVATION 1.0.
The colourful event, themed ‘Unlocking Creativity for Global Dominance” was held at the Technology Lecture Theatre, the faculty where the Convener graduated from. As an alumnus of the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, he enjoyed massive support from the Head of the Department, staff and students of the department.
Creavation 1.0 started with an opening prayer led by Mr Sulaimon Ayobami, an Ibadan-based Sales Consultant, and was quickly followed by the National Anthem. The Convener, Israel Alabi, encouraged participants to adopt a learning mindset and prepare their writing materials because the facilitators were prepared to teach, train and transform. He explained the decision to catalyse a “global mindset” in youths as very critical in times like these when their competitors are not from their village or city, but countries like the USA and China.
The Organizing Team made of Oyindamola Afolabi, Oladoye Bamidele (popularly known as Mr. Rolas), Emmanuel Akinniyi (aka Prestige), Blessing Omoniyi and Peace Ojeade were fully on-ground to ensure the event ran smoothly and seamlessly. The event hosting team comprised Blessing Omoniyi (Content Bleeze), Paul Akinbode (Manpaulou) and Theresa Aiyelari (Queen of Closers)
The first speaker, Amb. Merlyn Tamunoemi (Founder of iBoost Personality International) used her story to captivate the crowd while sharing how she built an authentic global brand with clients outside the shores of Nigeria. Mr. Temitope Ilesanmi (Head of Operations and Recruitment at Profound Impact Consults) taught extensively how to turn your knowledge and experience into published books using his example of 6 published books as an example.
Ms. Karamah Ajala (Director of American Corner Ibadan) held nothing back as she shared proven strategies on how to build valuable relationships with people that matter – leaders, coaches, mentors and influencers. Ms. Elizabeth Samuel, an award-winning Book Editor, laid down practical steps for building a personal development plan that takes you to the top of your academic and/or business game.
Ms. Stella Adebayo (founder of Bizgrant Global – a thriving business brand with almost 26,000 followers on IG) showed the captivated audience the massive grant funding opportunities available to youth-run and small-scale businesses today. Mr. Emmanuel Oziegbe, an exceptional student of the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan charged the students on how to produce outstanding results consistently.
The event also had two workshops delivered by officials of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Nigerian Export and Promotions Council (NEPC). Mrs. Julian Fashola, who represented the SMEDAN State Coordinator, encouraged more youths to embrace entrepreneurship as a way to create wealth for themselves and the country, as a whole. Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel, the NEPC Coordinator discussed different means through which entrepreneurial youths can position themselves for exports, and take advantage of all the benefits the organization has for them.
An electrifying panel session featuring Mr. Rolas (CEO/Founder of Rolas Kings Laundry Services), Mr. Tobiloba Ogunbanjo aka Barack Opayne (Founder of World of Uites), Stella Adebayo, and Elizabeth Samuel discussed “How to Leverage the Internet and Tech Tools to Scale Your Business.”
The hosts ensured that the event remained enlightening, educative and engaging through their brilliant and beautiful moderation. Some participants ended up winning giveaways including The Firstclass Edge by Israel Alabi, Busy But Broke by Blessing Omoniyi, The New Rule by Oyindamola Afolabi, airtime, customized shoes by VUDOH and ALAN Slides by Honsurg Shoes.
Dignitaries present at the event included parents of the Convener, Pastor Isaac Alabi & Pastor (Mrs.) Funmilayo Alabi, Mrs. Ojelabi (Retired Headmistress with the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission), Mr. Faseyitan (an experienced Quantity Surveyor), Ms. Faridat Oladejo (JCI University of Ibadan President), Mr. Huthman Badmos (Founder and Principal of Blue Line), Mr. Emmanuel Boluwade (Co-founder of BluelineMr. Sodiq (UCJ UI Newsman), and Mr. Mustapha Abu (Diamond 101.1 FM Newsman) amongst others.
The impact of the event on the audience has been nothing short of amazing, as participants have been sharing their mind-blowing experiences across all social media platforms. The 150+ physical attendees came from almost all states in Southwest Nigeria including Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara and Oyo, while the other 150+ virtual attendees were from across the country. One of the feedbacks read: “Thank you so much, Mr. Israel and team for putting together this life-changing event, I was inspired and challenged to do more than I can imagine. The sacrifice and stress of coming from Ijebu Ode was truly worth it.”
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