by Sakeenah Kareem.
In an era where innovation and technology serve as the backbone of modern economies, the fusion of entrepreneurship and technology has become an indispensable force driving societal progress and economic growth.
Against this backdrop, the recently concluded Career Connect Summit 2023 emerged as a beacon of insight, guidance, and inspiration for aspiring technopreneurs and entrepreneurs alike.
The summit, held at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), brought together over a thousand participants across Ogun state and beyond, uniting them in a collective pursuit of knowledge, networking, and the exploration of the dynamic intersections between technology and entrepreneurship.
Conceived under the leadership of Mahmoud Damisi and Peter Ojo, the Career Connect Summit was imbued with a profound purpose: to offer a platform where leaders, administrators, and top professionals across diverse industries could share their success stories, unveil the uncharted territories they navigated, and shed light on how they triumphed over adversity to inspire the next generation.
The thematic focus, “Narrative Influence: Shaping the World Through Stories,” crystallised the idea that tales of challenges, triumphs, and strategic manoeuvres wield the power to shape not only individual trajectories but also the broader landscape of business and technology.
Mahmoud Damisi, the driving force behind the summit asserted that the conviction that unifying young minds and accomplished professionals would foster mentorship, bridge gaps between generations, and foster creativity and innovation fueled the birth of this transformative event.
The organizers harnessed their collective passion and expertise to execute a summit that resonated not only with attendees but also with the wider community, demonstrating their commitment to carving a new narrative for aspiring entrepreneurs in the technology sector.
Mahmoud Damisi, leveraging his extensive network, brought distinguished speakers which inlcude but not limited to Solomon Enilolobo, CEO of Oluwalogbon Electronics and Dr Macaulay Milton, CEO of Illumania to the stage. Some other Speakers at the Summit includes Creator Layiawasabi, Motara Akanni-Lawrence, Alabi Lawrence, Mr Waduud and Erstwhile Commissioner of Oyo State – Dr. Seun Fakorede. The presence of these experienced personalities transformed the event into an immersive knowledge-sharing experience.
Peter Ojo, the Co-convener and the Programs Manager at Career Connect Academy extensively explained that the summit is not the only way they are building bridges. He pinpointed the Career Connect Academy where budding techies and tech Enthusiasts can kickstart a Career in Tech as a major change driver to the big goal.
Central to the success of the Career Connect Summit was the realisation that strategic partnerships are key to the execution of ideas. The summit thrived on the support of Everything Middlemen Consults, the principal sponsor of the event.
Fadlullahi Shittu, a Partner at Everything Middlemen Consults said, “ Entrepreneurs who have harnessed the use of technology advancements and digitalisation were prioritised during the selection of speakers. This is to ensure that their stories serve as eye openers to the audience and can guide them to maximise digitised opportunities.”
The participants departed with minds expanded and narratives invigorated as they carried forth several mantras from where career connects.
Adeyemi Ibrahim, a writer and a student of FUNAAB believed that the summit has given him a platform to grow.
“Now, I see a tech-inclined future for myself and I think the summit has given me a ground to leverage on. Absolutely my career has connected. I’ve made certain connections that might not have been possible without this summit”, Ibrahim expatiated.
As the host of the event, Toheeb Bisiriyu, rightly said, “ Events like this that are not there for the photos but for putting up value and substances are the events we need to see more of. We need more Career Connect Summits that will lead to substantial results from attendees. This is because one conversation, one line of thought or one catchphrase can actually be what someone needs to improve and better their lives.”
Mahmoud Damisi, the visionary convener, articulated his aspiration to transform this event into a national phenomenon. With a focus on bridging mentorship gaps and nurturing emerging talents, the future holds promise for even greater iterations of this enlightening endeavour.
As the sun set on the event, a chapter closed, but the narrative continues to unfold, inspiring countless lives to step into the limelight of their own narratives.
