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Two young Nigerians, Fawole Folajimi and Oluwadare Precious, at the weekend emerged a shining example of innovation and resilience at the Muson Centre in Lagos, and were awarded N500,000 business grant at the 2025 edition of EMERGE, an annual summit powered by The Peak Performer Africa.
Selected from a staggering pool of over 2,000 applicants, Folajimi and Oluwadare captivated judges with their compelling business pitches, each rooted in creativity and purpose. Folajimi, currently serving as a corps member in Lagos, and Oluwadare, a fashionpreneur based in Akure, Ondo State, represent the diverse tapestry of Nigerian youth striving to make their mark.
EMERGE 2025 was more than a competition—it was a convergence of minds, dreams, and ideas. With participants drawn from across the country, including Nassarawa, Kogi, Borno, Kano, Plateau, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo states, the summit reflected a nationwide commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable entrepreneurship. Most attendees were corps members under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), underscoring the summit’s focus on nurturing young leaders.
At the heart of the event was a powerful theme: “21st Century Intelligence: Artificial or Emotional?” The summit explored the delicate balance between machine learning and human insight, urging participants to embrace both digital fluency and emotional depth.
Dr. Abiola Salami, Founder of The Peak Performer Africa and Convener of EMERGE, delivered a stirring keynote. “We are building a culture of excellence—whether in business, the workplace, or in personal life. No matter where you are, you can commit to excellence,” he said. His words resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom were navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving job market.
Dr. Salami emphasised that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising industries, it cannot replace the human touch. “Artificial Intelligence can teach machines to think. Emotional Intelligence teaches humans to matter. The future requires both,” he declared. He urged young people to see AI not as a threat, but as a tool to enhance creativity and effectiveness.
The summit featured master classes, career clinics, and breakout workshops designed to equip participants with both technical and interpersonal skills. Sessions such as “The Inner Skills That Make You Relevant Anywhere,” “Startups in the Age of AI,” and “How to Understand and Manage Your Emotions” were led by thought leaders including Robert Agwu, Chinenye Onuorah, Adedayo Adejokun, and Ibukun Osoba.”