(L-R) Abam Inyang, Senior Associate, LBS Sustainability Centre; Pamela Williams, Compere; Orevaoghene Atanya, Director, LBS Sustainability Centre; Elona Elezo, Sustainability Professional; Benita Ezumezu, Programme Manager, Citizen Commons Advocacy International; Kate Pam Semlek, CEO, The Stalwart Group; Biobele West, Senior Programme Analyst, ACE Strategy and Consult Limited ; and Ogbonna Prince, Managing Partner, Moolu Venture Capital LP, at the Naija Youth Forum
The Naija Youth Sustainability Forum (NYSF), a transformative multi-city initiative of the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre designed to equip young Nigerians with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to tackle the nation’s most pressing sustainability challenges, held its third edition on Saturday, October 12, 2024 in collaboration with esteemed partners; Youth Sustainable Development Network, Junior Achievement Nigeria, AfriLabs, Centre for Memories, Sustainable Development Solution Network, Climate Emerge Innovation Development (CEID) Hub, Umu Igbo Unite Cares (UIUCARES) and Keyedge Resource Consult.
The forum, which took place across Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Oyo, brought together over 200 young professionals, students, social entrepreneurs, and sustainability enthusiasts. NYSF 2024 positioned itself as a platform for driving sustainable innovation, fostering collaboration, and creating actionable solutions tailored to local and global challenges through very engaging dialogue and case presentations.
The event opened with a keynote address by Oreva Atanya, Director of the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, who challenged attendees to take bold actions toward creating a sustainable future. “Every great change begins with audacity. You are the changemakers, and your ideas, when nurtured, can reshape our communities and the world. This forum is your platform to learn, network, and act,” Atanya said, setting the tone for the event that resonated with energy and purpose.
Panel sessions explored critical topics, including Youth-Led Synergy for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Technology as a Tool for Driving Impact, while interactive pitch talks gave budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their innovative ideas. Across the four locations, Case presentations showcased practical solutions to pressing issues, providing real-world applications of sustainable thinking.
The event received reviews from attendees, many of whom described it as a transformative experience. Below are some of the testimonials shared by participants. “Listening to Abubakar Shuaibu at the forum reinforced the importance of pursuing dreams relentlessly, even in the face of rejection. It was a powerful reminder of the audacity required to succeed.”Abimbola Otepola, Marketing and Communications Manager, The Green Exchange, remarked. “It was an enlightening experience to network with heroes and innovators driving sustainability in Nigeria. Thank you, Lagos Business School, for providing this platform to connect and learn!” said Oyinkepreye Koufa, of YASIF Nigeria. “This event gave us a platform to make meaningful contributions to sustainability and to learn from thought leaders in the field. We are going back to our communities better equipped to create change,” indicated Onyekachukwu Asadu, of Building Boys.
The NYSF 2024 was designed to reflect the unique challenges and opportunities present in different regions of Nigeria. Each city offered participants tailored sessions that addressed local contexts while connecting them to broader national and global sustainability efforts. In Lagos, sessions emphasised mentorship and innovative communication of sustainability ideas to diverse audiences. In Abuja, discussions focused on public-private partnerships and the role of policy in driving sustainable change. In Oyo, participants explored sustainable entrepreneurship and the role of education in empowering change-makers. While in Enugu, grassroots solutions, community engagement, and youth volunteerism was the thrust of the day.
NYSF 2024 has left an indelible impact on participants who are now motivated to act as ambassadors for sustainable development in their respective communities. The Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre is already laying the groundwork for the 2025 edition, with plans to expand its reach and deepen its impact.
Lagos Business School is Africa’s leading management education institution and the LBS Sustainability Centre is a leading knowledge centre that brings together the theory and practice on business and sustainability for the advancement of performance and development outcomes. For more information about the initiatives and upcoming events of the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, please contact sustainabilitycentre@lbs.edu.ng. Together we can work towards a sustainable future for businesses on the continent. For more information on our forums, visit: https://lbssustainabilitycentre.edu.ng/forum/
Click here to view the communique of the programme.
