Nigerian youth have been urged to move beyond observation and lead in technology and innovation, as Crest Conference 2.0 held on December 13, 2025, at Shecluded, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, brought together industry experts and young professionals.
The conference, convened by the Global Youth Ambassador and CEO of CrestTech Hub Limited and Scholars Lens, Wakilat Kikelomo Zakariyau, brought together over 100 physical and virtual attendees.
Zakariyau opened the event with a call to action, stressing that the theme, “Tech for All,” represents a generation that can no longer afford to be sidelined in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. “The world is demanding YOU,” she said, describing the gathering as a “definitive and strategic alignment” for youth ready to shape the future.
The Head of Growth and Marketing at Youverify, Hakeem Akiode, warned that the greatest threat to income today is no longer competition, but irrelevance. He urged attendees to cultivate “human advantage skills”, qualities that artificial intelligence cannot replicate, highlighting the battles of survival, opportunity, and relevance in a fast-changing world.
Director of Strategy at GBfoods Africa, David Edozie Onochie, challenged youth to turn local ideas into global movements, saying, “You have to be mad to make a difference in today’s world.” He encouraged critical and creative thinking as essential tools for success in an AI-driven economy.
Oladipupo Habeeb Oladimeji, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor representing Ore Afolayan of Renifi, noted that coding alone is no longer sufficient to stand out in the digital economy. He stressed the importance of understanding the technology behind tools and mastering AI prompts.
Product Manager at Myaza, Chisom Aniefuna, and Mobile Software Engineer, Anthony Atuoha added that global opportunities are no longer limited by location, encouraging participants to start projects without waiting for perfection.
The event, hosted by Aminat Miskilu with Matthew Ogunsuada on the red carpet and moderated by Sherifdeen Olafimihan, concluded with leadership masterclasses and plenaries on storytelling, digital marketing, and tech sales strategy. Speakers included Basil Ikpe, Ezekiel Gbemisola, Precious Obiabunmo, Oluwatimilehin Farinu, Israel Nwafor, and ALIU Kehinde Zakariyah.
The conference also featured a Tech Challenge that asked participants to identify problems in specific sectors and propose solutions with global relevance. Cultural performances, including the spoken word duet “The Dual Pulse” by Abdulwaris Adebayo Abimbola and Adebayo Aisha, added to the event’s engagement.
The organisers said the conference is part of a broader effort to equip Nigerian youth with leadership and technology skills and connect them to global opportunities.
