June 30, 2016

Gina London, Chude Jideonwo, Lala Akindoju, others set for The Edge Series Student Summit

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SwiftThink Limited through her human capacity development initiative, The Edge Series, is set to contribute it’s quota towards reducing the widening gap between business and academic knowledge.

The Edge Series Student Summit (TESS) will attempt to bridge this gap again come Friday July 29, 2016 at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

TESS which is currently in its third edition would build up on the last year edition and will focus on the theme ‘What are you saying?’ as it takes an exciting dimension focusing on Sales and Marketing aimed at preparing young Nigerian students for the a world where “everyone is selling something’’.

The summit intends to help participants find a voice of their own, sharpen their presentation skills at all levels, teach relationship management and business etiquette rules, while providing valuable head start for new businesses.

Special guest of honour is Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Pharm (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf while a keynote address will be given by Public Affairs Officer, United State Consulate General Lagos, Mr. Frank Sellin.

A line up of seasoned speakers for this year’s edition include Richmond Johnson (International Leadership and Management Consultant), Gina London (CNN Veteran), Olusola Amusan (Citizenship Manager, Microsoft Nigeria), Jimi Tewe (Career Specialist), Opeyemi Awoyemi (Jobberman.com Co-Founder), Chude Jideonwo (RedMedia Africa), Audu Maikori (President of Chocolate City Group) and Lala Akindoju (CEO The Make it Happen Productions).

TESS 2016 will also feature panelists such as Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Andela), Olori Ajayi (Fashion Entrepreneur).

In addition to the thought-provoking speaking and interactive sessions, there will be raffle draws and prizes pre and post event.

Speaking at a press briefing to unveil TESS 2016, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Pharm (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf represented by Adewale Ayoola, Representative of Commissioner For Youth And Social Development commended organisers describing TESS 2016 as one of the veritable partnership the Ministry of Youth and Social development of Lagos State is delighted to have that will help the state achieve its goal for youth empowerment.

In his address, Mr. Ayoola Jolayemi, CEO, SwiftThink declared open The Edge Business Start-Up Challenge which is meant to empower the businesses of five winners with a Start-up Kit valued at N3 million each. According to him, the selection of the winners is broken into phases beginning with the submission of entries beginning from June 28 to July 5. To participate, interested youths are expected to send a one page executive summary to startup@theedge.com.ng. A team of experts will shortlist 50 out of the entries for the next stage where they will make apitch. The best five participants will be selected for the prize at the Students Summit 2016 on Friday, July 29.

Organisations supporting The Edge Business Start-Up Challenge include The Lagos State Government, Lenovo, Microsoft, MTN Nigeria, Jobberman.com, WhoGoHost, Inspiro Consulting, SDI Consulting, TISV Digital and KOMOS Creative.

“The summit will provide presentation, writing and negotiating skills training in teaching sessions for anticipated 1000+ attendees. It will also facilitate practical business etiquette sessions as well as acquisition of basic start-up requirements e.g. registration of business name, business tools, website/blog-marketing needs,” Jolayemi explained.

L-R: Opeyemi Awoyemi, Founder & CEO, Jobberman.com, Oluwaseun Duro-Ishola, MD/Lead Consultant, SDI Consult Ltd, Ademola Ayoola, Personal Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner of Youth & Social Development, Lagos State and Jolayemi Ayoola, CEO, Swift Think Ltd at the press conference to announce programme for the Edge Series Student Summit 2016 in Lagos yesterday.

R-L: Timmy Oluwunmi, Creative Director, TISV Digital, Godwin Tom, Managing Director, The Godwin Tom Company, Jolayemi Ayoola, CEO, Swift Think Ltd and Ademola Ayoola, Personal Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner of Youth & Social Development, Lagos State at the press conference to announce programme for the Edge Series Student Summit 2016 in Lagos yesterday.