The NED Talk session of the Youth Opportunity Summit 2025, held on Saturday, December 6, at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, provided one of the most practical, thought-provoking segments of the event as experts dissected the theme: Building a Future-Ready Youth: What Skills Will Matter Most in the Next Five Years?
The session featured three speakers—Dr. Lanre Philips, SME consultant; Mr. Gbenga Isaac Oni, leading coach and strategic adviser; and Ms. Maimuna Abubakar Anka, founder of Malabiz by Maymz and Fashion Tally—each offering powerful insights on how young Nigerians can position themselves for relevance in a rapidly evolving world.
Opening the session, Dr. Philips emphasized that the world is moving too fast for young people to rely on outdated methods of success.
The excitement of yesterday is todays mediocrity, he said, describing how four generations currently occupy the workplace—Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z—each shaped by different realities and expectations.
He noted that Gen Z stands out for its early exposure to technology, financial awareness, and demand for data-backed communication. Drawing a comparison between past and present opportunities, he explained how digital tools have democratized success.
Before now, there were gatekeepers everywhere. Today, with smartphones, AI-powered tools, and social media, the world is open. Victor Osimhen didnt travel abroad to be discovered; he used digital visibility. Many global creators now earn over $200,000 from home, he added.
Dr. Philips urged young people to intentionally build visibility, develop future-ready skills, and remain adaptable. Learn content strategy, build networks, and stay adaptable. Another generation is coming—Gen Alpha—and they are even more advanced. The game has evolved, but are you ready to play? he challenged.
The second speaker, Mr. Gbenga Oni, focused on vision, discipline, and intentional living. He used the metaphor of a compass to explain the pillars necessary for success.
A compass has north, south, east, and west. For your own life, your north is your calling—your purpose. Do you know why you are here? For the east, you must be a thinker. Only thinkers become innovators. Avoid the social media trap and have a growth plan, he said.
He stressed the need for self-control, discipline, values, and balance. Your south represents attitude, spirituality, rest, and choices. Learn to delay gratification. Know when to cut your losses. For the west, have a clear direction for your leadership, your skill set, and your values.
Oni advised youths to develop manual skills, cultivate leadership ability, and maintain a solid sense of identity. Once you have a compass, it will lead you into the right opportunities, he concluded.
The final speaker, fashion entrepreneur and creative director, Ms. Anka, encouraged participants to believe in themselves and not be intimidated by limited resources. Believe in yourself. Forget what anyone says. Start small, start smart, she said.
She emphasized that Nigeria remains full of untapped creative and commercial potential. There are so many untouched parts of Nigeria. The youth are ever ready—its just a matter of shifting their mindset. You dont have to depend on anyone before you start something, she noted.
Ms. Anka expressed optimism about Nigerias innovation future. In a few years, the world will be surprised by the innovations coming out of Nigerian youth. Stay relevant, be strategic, and move with intention, she added.
The NED Talk segment ended with a strong consensus: Future-ready youth must be skilled, intentional, technologically aware, adaptable, and purpose-driven.
Through their combined message, the speakers reinforced the idea that while opportunities exist everywhere, only prepared young people can fully leverage them.
