GiNN 4.0: Young Nigerians Rewriting the Nation’s Story
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Gen-Z Involvement in a New Nigeria (GiNN) 4.0 took place at the Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos — convening an inspiring cross-section of young leaders, industry experts, policymakers, and creative voices under the theme:
“Rewriting the Nigerian Story, Building the Future, Becoming the Future.”
A Movement Evolving
Now in its fourth year, GiNN has grown into much more than an annual conference — it has become a vibrant platform equipping young Nigerians with insights, tools, and networks to actively shape the future of their nation. This edition continued that trajectory, placing special emphasis on youth empowerment, economic participation, civic engagement, and leadership development.
Spotlight on Speakers & Voices
GiNN 4.0 featured a diverse lineup of speakers who delivered powerful messages, shared lived experiences, and challenged attendees to redefine what it means to be a young changemaker in Nigeria:
🎤 Key Speakers
Agomeze Saint – Convener of GiNN
Emphasized the need for young Nigerians to transition from passive beneficiaries to active contributors in economic and civic life.Kola Adesina – Managing Director, Sahara Group
Urged youths to embrace self-reliance, start with small beginnings, and “bet on yourself first.”Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour – Labour Party Governorship Candidate (2023)
Called on young people to engage in civic participation, secure their voter cards, and lead positive national change.Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim – Former Minister of Youth Development
Advocated for youth involvement in governance and nation-building with integrity, inclusion, and innovation at the forefront.Bunmi Davies – CEO, Afrotainment Productions
Urged youths to shift from complaints to problem-solving — recognizing opportunities where others see obstacles.Olugbenga Obadina – CEO, Almond Projects Limited
Stressed the value of innovation over criticism, urging young leaders to be creators rather than commentators.Mobolaji Ogunlende – Lagos State Commissioner for Youth
Delivered a strong goodwill message encouraging youth responsibility, integrity, and strategic community participation.
Key Conversations & Themes
The discussions at GiNN 4.0 were rich and wide-ranging, with sessions covering:
✔️ Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement
✔️ Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment
✔️ Technological Innovation and Future Skills
✔️ Policy Reform and Strategic Thinking
✔️ Building Resilient Communities
Speakers emphasized that Nigeria’s success hinges on its young people — their determination to act, innovate, and lead with purpose.
Celebrating Young Excellence
A highlight of GiNN 4.0 was the introduction of the “Young Excellence Awards” — an initiative designed to recognize and honor outstanding young Nigerians who are already contributing to national development:
🏆 Award Recipients Included:
Somto Alexander Nnoruga
Olumide Oworu
Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja
Edeh Sylvester Chisom
Victory Ashaka
Chioma Ukpabi
Muhammed Gilmore Adekunle
Christopher Joseph Bassey
Matthias Busoye
These individuals represent the spirit of GiNN — proactive, innovative, and committed to positive change.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Youth
GiNN 4.0 reinforced a powerful message: Nigeria’s future lies not in the hands of the few, but in the collective boldness of its young people. Youths were challenged to stop merely reacting to problems and instead create solutions — in business, governance, technology, community development, and beyond.
As one speaker aptly put it:
“If Nigeria will succeed or fail, it depends on the youth.”
Final Thoughts
GiNN 4.0 was more than a conference — it was a call to action, a platform for connection, and a spotlight on youth excellence. Young Nigerians left with fresh inspiration, new networks, and actionable strategies to play meaningful roles in shaping their communities and country.
Whether through entrepreneurship, civic engagement, innovation, or leadership, the generation rising now has the tools — and the mandate — to rewrite Nigeria’s story for the better.