The Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre successfully organized the second edition of the Naija Youth Sustainability Forum on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, held both physically at the Lagos Business School and virtually.
The event, a brainchild of LBS, provided a dynamic platform uniting young individuals from diverse regions in Nigeria. It aimed to foster connections, stimulate opportunities, promote learning, and encourage collaboration among youths to leverage their skills and interests towards advancing sustainable development in society.
Oreva Atanya, Head of Sustainability at Lagos Business School, delivered the opening remarks, followed by the formal declaration of the forum’s commencement by the represented Dean of Lagos Business School, Prof Uchenna Uzo. In their address, they urged the youth to adopt a success mindset centered on societal impact, emphasizing that success extends beyond personal achievements and should positively impact the community.
Iruka Ndubuizu, Director of Partnerships at Tony Elumelu Foundation, delivered special remarks, highlighting the pivotal role of today’s youth in the economy. She stressed the need for innovative pathways, particularly entrepreneurship, emphasizing its potential to drive impact and relevance in solving problems. Prof Ndubusi Ekekwe, Lead Faculty at Tekedia Institute, provided a special address, emphasizing the opportunities inherent in overcoming challenges. He underscored the importance of the youth in steering nations towards growth phases and leveraging sectors to unlock abundance for all. Prof Ekekwe also stressed the role of knowledge in creating markets and called for a shift from an invention-oriented society to an innovation-centric era.
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The event included case presentations by CEOs of innovative businesses like Fez Delivery Co and Pharmarun, showcasing how they employed innovation, integrated sustainability, and leveraged technology in their operations. Moreover, representatives from Youth Sustainable Development Network presented cases on accelerating social impact among Nigerian youths. Speed talks were given, highlighting the need for upskilling in the green economy and the importance of ethics in innovation.
The panel discussion titled ‘Solutions Mindset: Identifying Opportunities in a VUCA Environment’ featured influential figures from various industries. They emphasized the importance of perseverance, initiating ideas, and seeking the right platforms for idea incubation. The closing remarks, urging youths to utilize their knowledge to effect change, were delivered by the CEO of Nigerian Climate Innovation Centre, 
.
.The Naija Youth Sustainability Forum stands as a unique platform aimed at empowering young individuals committed to driving sustainable development in Nigeria. It serves as an avenue for learning, dialogue, showcasing best practices, and fostering networking opportunities. Acknowledging the potential of youths in contributing to socio-economic and environmental outcomes through innovation, the forum aligns with the United Nations SDGs and Africa Agenda 2063 Goals.
The Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre remains a beacon of knowledge, bridging theory and practice for sustainable business and societal development.
