Meta has hosted its first Youth Summit in Lagos, Nigeria, gathering over 200 young professionals, creatives, tech enthusiasts, and budding entrepreneurs. The summit, themed “Empowering Youth Through Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship,” featured panel discussions, mentoring sessions, and workshops aimed at equipping attendees with the skills and networks to thrive in today’s digital world.
Phil Oduor, Meta’s Head of Policy Programs for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and promoting digital literacy among Nigerian youth, viewing them as future changemakers.
Femi Aluko, CEO and Co-Founder of Chowdeck, delivered the keynote address, encouraging participants to seize opportunities in the tech ecosystem. Panel discussions, led by Chinny Francis, Public Policy Manager at Meta, included industry leaders such as Nifemi Akinwamide (Alt School), Adaora Mbelu (Lumination Global), and Obaloluwa Adeagbo (Talstack). They offered insights on personal branding, soft skills, and problem-solving for the digital future.
Government representative Francis Sani discussed Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, which aims to develop the country’s technical workforce. Additionally, an entrepreneurship-focused session, moderated by Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa at Meta, featured Seye Bandele (PaidHR) and Damilola Teidi-Ayoola (Ventures Platform Fund), who shared practical advice on navigating business in a changing landscape.
The summit also featured inspirational talks from content creators Miss Techy and Salem King, who shared their journeys and strategies for long-term success. Attendees benefited from interactive workshops and mentoring sessions led by industry experts.
Meta’s Youth Summit 2024 underscores the company’s dedication to empowering Nigerian youth through investments in digital literacy, economic impact, and creative industries.
