Day 2 Recap: Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2024

The sun rose on Day 2 of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2024, and the air was electric with anticipation. Attendees, dressed in their sharpest, poured into the venue, ready for a day of knowledge, inspiration, and celebration.

What followed was a cascade of unforgettable moments that will be etched in the festival’s history as one of its most vibrant and impactful days.

Breaking Boundaries from the Start

The day began with three captivating breakout sessions, each buzzing with ideas and solutions to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
   

   • Kicking off the session was Stephen Read, whose rousing welcome address laid the foundation for an eye-opening discussion.

   
   

   • With Mariam Wellington at the helm as moderator, the panel brought together some of the brightest minds in the tech world:

     
     

     • Oladejo Olawunmi, Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions

     • Badr Boussabat, World Alliance of International Financial Centers

     • Toriola Olajumoke, MD, Ha-Shem Limited

     • Samuel Ajiboyede, Founder & Group CEO, Zido

     • Darko Davkovski, Technology Visionary
       

   The room buzzed with insights on how AI is reshaping industries, sparking a vibrant Q&A session that pushed boundaries and inspired action.
   

2. Sustainability and the SDGs
   

   • Anjani Singh delivered a passionate call to arms for businesses to adopt greener practices, urging collaboration for a sustainable future.
     

   • Princess Marinay expertly guided the panelists through a discussion that blended ambition with practicality:
     

     • Foluke Michael, SDG Advocate

     • Elsie Appau ESQ, Legal Expert on Climate Policies

     • Stephen Read, Environmental Strategist

     • Yejide Aina, Specialist in Climate Finance

     • Saad Abid, Renowned Environmental Activist
       

   The room came alive with networking as participants brainstormed innovative strategies for aligning their businesses with global sustainability goals.
   

3. Business Pitches
   

   • Mr. Johan Richard delivered a masterclass on investment readiness, equipping attendees with tools to transform ideas into profitable ventures.
     

   • Entrepreneurs showcased their pitches in a competitive session that radiated energy, ambition, and innovation.
     

Global Leadership Forum: The Heart of the Day

Under the bright lights of the main hall, David Abodunde, Mariam Wellington, and Sunmisola Roberts kept the audience engaged as they MCed a jam-packed forum.

• Otunba Akinboboye Olawale, Founder of La Campagne Tropicana Resort delivered the opening speech, emphasizing the global importance of entrepreneurial ecosystems.

• The legendary Vusi Thembekwayo took the stage, captivating the crowd with his raw charisma and a powerful message about turning Africa’s potential into reality.

The panel discussion on empowering emerging entrepreneurs, moderated by the dynamic Tope Mark-Odigie, was nothing short of transformative. Thought leaders, including Dr. Linus Okorie, Norma Mngoma, and Bukky Enuha, shared practical steps to bridge gaps between leaders, institutions, and entrepreneurs.

The Fireside Chats: Humor, Insight, and Inspiration

If there’s one thing attendees will never forget, it’s the fireside chat between Vusi Thembekwayo and Dr. Summy Smart Francis. The conversation was thought-provoking and hilariously unforgettable when Vusi, while passionately claiming South Africa’s soccer dominance, was humorously cornered by Summy to name globally renowned players. The room erupted into laughter as Vusi graciously admitted defeat.

Other conversations, including those with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Jeff Hoffman, and Dr. Funke Felix-Adejumo, were equally insightful, offering personal anecdotes and actionable advice for budding leaders.

A Night of Glitz and Glamour: The Gala and Awards

As the sun set, the festival transformed into an elegant celebration of excellence at the Global Entrepreneurs Award & Gala.

Dan Walkovitz, in his welcome address, commended Dr Summy, the GEF team and the Ondo State government's support towards the Entrepreneurship Village. He set the tone for the award night declaring the Entrepreneurship Village would become the next Silicon Valley.

Dr Summy Smart Francis inspired attendees with the inspiring and deeply moving story of breaking out of poverty and his desire to help others. The atmosphere was stirred up as hearts and hands moved to support the Entrepreneurship Village dream.

Performances:

• Countryman kicked off the evening with a high-energy Afrobeat performance.

• Yajna mesmerized the audience with her soulful vocals.

• Teeclassic brought the crowd to their feet with chart-topping hits.
  

The biggest surprise of the night? Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa stealing the spotlight with his incredible dance moves, proving he hasn’t lost his rhythm from his youthful days.

Visionary entrepreneurs, including Vusi Thembekwayo, Bukky Enuha, Rhonda Kich, and many amazing entrepreneurs were honored for their contributions to entrepreneurship and leadership.

Final Words

Day 2 wasn’t just a day; it was an experience—a perfect blend of groundbreaking ideas, impactful conversations, and electrifying celebrations. The energy, connections, and memories created will undoubtedly fuel the journey of every attendee as they continue their entrepreneurial journeys.

Stay tuned for more highlights and insights as we move into the final day of GEF 2024!