OyoKopa Business & Career Conference 2.0 concludes with resounding success.

by Sylvester Iyere

The OyoKopa Business & Career Conference 2.0 has wrapped up, leaving an indelible mark on the business and entrepreneurship landscape, especially for the Nigerian youth that desires an empowered future. The conference, now in its second year, drew over 8,000 attendees who gathered to learn, connect, and grow.

Background

Nigeria’s youth face a daunting reality: high rates of unemployment and underemployment that threaten to derail their aspirations. With a large proportion of the population under the age of 30, the country has a significant youth demographic that could be a driving force for economic growth. However, the lack of job opportunities has led to widespread frustration and disillusionment. This is where entrepreneurship emerges as a vital lifeline.

By embracing entrepreneurship, Nigerian youths can create their own opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to the country’s economic development. This approach not only fosters self-reliance but also helps to address the unemployment crisis. Established to promote national unity and development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) plays a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s youth, engaging young graduates in community service, skill development, and nation-building activities.

With initiatives like the OyoKopa Business & Career Conference, it’s clear that efforts are being made to empower youths with the skills and support they need to succeed. By combining entrepreneurship with strategic government programs, Nigerian youths can unlock their potential and drive positive change in the country.

Welcome to Ibadan, the historic city

Ibadan, a city nestled in the heart of Nigeria’s Oyo State, boasts a rich history dating back to 1829 when it was founded by Lagelu, a renowned Yoruba warlord. Strategically built on seven hills, Ibadan served as a Yoruba military headquarters and a sanctuary for those displaced by war. The city has a storied past, having defended itself against major attacks, including the Osogbo war, Ibadan-Ijaye war, and Kiriji war.

Today, Ibadan is a thriving metropolis with a blend of traditional and modern architecture, vibrant markets, and a strong cultural heritage. At the heart of Ibadan is the International Conference Centre, the venue of OyoKopa Business & Career Conference.

A Platform for Growth, Entrepreneurship, and Career Opportunity

OyoKopa Business & Career Conference had over 8,000 participants who came out to learn, connect, and grow. The conference offered enriching and empowering experiences, including hosting panels, powerful talks, and networking moments.

One of the standout achievements of the conference was the empowerment of businesses with a total of ₦2 million in funding. This initiative supported innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a much-needed boost to budding entrepreneurs. The conference also featured thought-provoking panels, powerful talks, and networking moments that sparked meaningful conversations and potential collaborations.

John Ojelola, Founder of JT Connect and Co-Convener of the OyoKopa Business & Career Conference, expressed his gratitude to the attendees, speakers, panelists, and partners who made the event a success. He emphasized that the conference is just the beginning and that JT Connect is committed to creating more unique, impactful, and transformative experiences that drive growth and opportunity for young people, professionals, and businesses.

In his thank-you message, John appreciated everyone for making the conference a success: “To our incredible speakers, panelists, and facilitators, thank you for your time, wisdom, and passion. To our audience, your energy and engagement made the event truly special.”. John also thanked his co-conveners, Justus Chineke and Joseph Titiloye, and all our partners: “None of this would have been possible without your dedication and support. I’m truly honored to build this vision alongside you”.

Some of the guest speakers were Wasilat Adegoke, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Oyo Oyo State; Kayode Ola Peters, Oyo State NYSC Coordinator; Prince Falana Adebowale Adebayo, Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development; Eseoghene Onomor, CEO of Roqqu; Chimezie Chuta, Founder/Coordinator of Blockchain Nigeria User Group; Jude Ozinegbe, Founder of Cyberchain; and Davizoe Effiong, Founder of BEI Consultancy Limited and SmartGame. Other speakers include Ronke Giwa-Onafuwa, Communications and Media Professional; Richard Afolabi, Cofounder of BekkahAI; Rev. Dr. Olufunke Adetuberu, Certified Therapist and Professional Counselor; Dr. Seun Fakorede, and several others.

The conference’s headline sponsors were Roqqu, a leading crypto exchange in Nigeria, who powered the event and Steller, a global blockchain ecosystem who partnered with the organizers, JT Connect. CAB, yours truly, is proud to have been a media partner.

Attendee Testimonials

The conference had a profound impact on its attendees, with many sharing their experiences and the valuable lessons they learned. Akintaro Abdulsalam, a graduate of Air Force Institute of Technology Kaduna with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering, was one such attendee.

For Akintaro, the conference was a turning point. On his Linkedin page, Akintaro describes it as “a hill before the climb,” where he stepped away from his routine and found inspiration and clarity. The conference’s environment, energy, and conversations recharged him and opened new paths of clarity, especially around his creative and tech journey. He shares a key lesson he learned from the conference: “Go to school, but learn a skill. Skill + education will take you far. But your network? That’s your real net worth.”

Building the Future Together

The conference served as a platform for building connections, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of business and entrepreneurship. With its success, the OyoKopa Business & Career Conference has cemented its position as a leading event in the industry, and attendees are eagerly anticipating the next edition.

The OyoKopa Business & Career Conference 2.0 provided a platform for attendees like Akintaro to build connections, explore new ideas, and gain valuable insights. As Akintaro notes, “Your room won’t give you the connections, ideas, or clarity you seek. Go out. Explore. Meet people. Inspiration is often waiting outside your comfort zone.” The conference’s impact will likely be felt for a long time to come, and JT Connect’s commitment to creating more unique and impactful experiences will continue to drive growth and opportunity for young people, professionals, and businesses.