The Youth Entrepreneurial Dialogue (YED), held on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, at the Lagos Business School, was a major highlight of GEW Nigeria 2025. Guided by the theme “Together We Build the Future: Tech, Talent & Transformation,” the event attracted 550 participants, including young entrepreneurs, policymakers, and technology advocates, and focused on equipping youth with the skills, insights, and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven economy. The dialogue opened with a keynote address by Senator Shetimma, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria represented by Hauwa Liman, Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Youth and Women Engagement, who emphasized the urgent need to equip young people with relevant digital skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, and access to supportive ecosystems. Aderonke Akinluyi, Technical Adviser at the Bank of Industry, delivered an inspiring guest speech highlighting the BOI’s commitment to supporting youth-led enterprises across Nigeria.Entrepreneur and technology advocate Chibuike Aguene, Founder & CEO of Bildup AI, enriched the session with practical insights on how artificial intelligence, digital tools, and innovation can accelerate transformational entrepreneurship and unlock new opportunities for Nigerian youth. The day featured a dynamic panel session themed “Building Boldly: Empowering Youth Entrepreneurs to Lead the Future.” Panelists discussed strategies for building scalable and sustainable businesses, navigating challenges, leveraging technology, and accessing funding. A second segment, the Convergence Conversation, also centered on the overarching theme and provided deeper insights into youth empowerment, community impact, and innovation leadership.
Speakers included:
• Damilare Oshokoya (My Abode)
• Alabi Opeyemi Oladimeji, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Youth
• Vincent Mayaki (Membscribe Technology)
Moderated by Olawumi Francisca Olorunkoya. Cynthia Ogbonna, Head , Brand Management, Fidelity Bank spoke on SME packages available to Young entrepreneurs and highlighted Fidelity Bank’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth growth.
Panelists:
• Oluwagbenga Agunbiade – CEO, Vepay
• Stephen Adeyemo – CEO, Resavation Hub
• Joy Temilade – Founder, DIY Africans
Moderator by Wemimo Toluse Kolade – Travel Lead, Curator & Influencer
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