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The conference was attended by over 100 enthusiastic participants, students and young professionals, and focused on the theme, “Unlocking Potentials via Academic Excellence & Personal Development.” It brought together students, professionals, mentors, and industry leaders eager to inspire and be inspired.
The day-long conference featured a variety of enriching activities designed to equip attendees with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. It kicked off with an energizing welcome speech from Wakilat Kikelomo Zakariyau, who emphasized the values of excellence, determination, integrity, and resilience. In her poignant opening remarks, she posed thought-provoking questions to the audience: “What do you represent? What do you want to be known for?” The atmosphere was charged with motivation as participants reflected on their journeys and aspirations.
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Renowned thought leaders Dr. Sesan Oyebanji, the CEO of Global Reach Farms Limited, and Ismail Olaitan Afolabi, Co-Founder of Beyond the Classroom Initiative and lecturer in the Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies at Osun State University, took center stage as keynote speakers. Dr. Oyebanji captivated the audience with his keynote speech on “Unlocking Potentials via Academic Excellence and Personal Development,” emphasizing the critical balance between academic achievements and personal growth. He articulated the necessity of engaging in mentorship, valuing time, and cultivating discipline as essential components for unlocking one’s potential. His reflective questions encouraged participants to consider their values and how they present themselves to the world.
On a similar note, Mr. Afolabi inspired attendees with his focus on “Cultivating the Right Mindset for Academic Excellence and Personal Growth.” He challenged the belief that merely passing grades were sufficient, urging everyone to adopt a growth mindset and prioritize their goals. His practical strategies for overcoming barriers through dedicated skill-building and resource utilization resonated throughout the room.
The interactive workshop “Discover, Dive, and Deploy: Maximizing Your Skill Set for Success” was led by Sherifdeen Olafimihan, a Digital Marketer at Nukreationz Digital Solutions. Participants were encouraged to commit to their personal development journeys, and Sherifdeen emphasized the importance of continuous growth and adaptability in a dynamic job market.
The conference also featured illuminating panel discussions, tagged “Tech for Everyone: Leveraging Digital and Tech Skills and Preparing for the Future of Work” which highlighted the growing importance of digital and tech skills across all sectors, facilitated by an expert panel consisting of by Sherifdeen Olafimihan, Mutiullah Omotosho, an Email Marketer at Smarty Commerce, and Faridat Adebayo, a Data Annotator and Entrepreneur. They elaborated on strategies for leveraging these skills and preparing for the digitally-driven future of work, emphasizing inclusivity in tech skill acquisition and the necessity for continuous learning to keep pace with industry advancements.
A standout moment of The Crest Conference was the spoken word performance by Yusuff Uthman Adekola. His poignant delivery captivated the audience, as he expressed themes of resilience, identity, and the importance of dreams. His powerful words resonated deeply, reminding attendees of the urgency to pursue their passions and embrace their unique journeys.
A highlight of The Crest Conference was the exciting quiz segment, which tested participants’ knowledge and critical thinking skills in a competitive format. The competitive spirit was palpable as participants vied for the grand prize of NGN 100,000, ultimately awarded to Abdulmuqtadir Yunus as the winner, powered by Uphiva.
To conclude the day’s events, the evening awards ceremony at GMT Event Center celebrated the exceptional contributions of inspiring youth in three categories: Academic Excellence, Entrepreneurship, and the Digital & Tech Ecosystem. The theme of the awards ceremony, “Inspiring Youth, Leading Change: Shaping a Better World Together,” underscored the spirit of community and empowerment that Scholars Lens embodies.
The Crest Conference and Inspiring Youth Awards 2024 were not just events; they were a call to action. As the visionary team of Scholars Lens continue their mission to unlock the potential of a lifetime and create opportunities for youth, they reinforce the importance of mentorship, community engagement, and lifelong learning in shaping inspired leaders poised to make a difference.
The plans for second edition of the conference is already in the pipeline and set to hold at the University of Lagos this year. With an impact figure of 700+ student beneficiaries since inception in 2023, Scholars Lens has firmly established itself as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the next generation of leaders worldwide.
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