By Princewill Kingston
The Bridge Leadership Foundation (TBLF) is set to host its 15th Career Day Conference, themed ‘New Horizons: Bridging the Youth Employability and Entrepreneurship Gap.’
Established in 2011 by Senator Liyel Imoke, former Governor of Cross River State, the Foundation is organizing this two-day event, which includes a dynamic main conference that’s free and open to all, as well as an exclusive Masterclass requiring compulsory pre-registration and application for a select group of participants.
A press release signed by TBLF Acting Executive Director, Oluwafunmilola Ojo, and made available to our reporter
indicated that both events are designed to empower Nigerian youth with the critical skills, insights, and connections needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.
The exclusive Masterclass,he said, would feature training on financial technology, digital marketing, business management, branding strategies amongst others.
Ojo disclosed that while the said Masterclass training is billed for August 1, 2025 at the TBLF building in Calabar, the main Conference, which is open to all, would take place on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), Summit Hills.
He said “Nigeria, despite its vibrant youth population, faces a significant challenge in matching skills with modern industry demands and enabling sustainable business growth. The 2025 Career Day Event directly addresses these hurdles, offering practical solutions for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and creatives alike.
“This exclusive, hands-on session, requiring compulsory pre-registration, will feature deep dives into high-growth sectors such as: Fintech: Equipping participants with knowledge to thrive in Nigeria’s fast-evolving financial technology sector, covering digital payments, blockchain, cybersecurity, and startup growth.
“Fashion: Guiding aspiring designers and entrepreneurs on brand positioning, sustainable fashion, digital marketing, and scaling their brands locally and internationally. Food: Empowering aspiring chefs and food entrepreneurs with culinary skills, business management, branding, and digital marketing strategies to build profitable ventures.”
The TBLF Acting Executive Director added that the 15th Career Day Conference, themed ‘New Horizons: Bridging the Youth Employability and Entrepreneurship Gap’, would have rich agenda with expert-led discussions on topics such as “The Future of Work – Adapting to AI, Remote Jobs, and Emerging Career Trends.”
The session, he said, would “explore how technology is reshaping job roles, strategies for digital transformation, accessing remote work opportunities, and identifying upskilling pathways.”
Ojo explained further that there would also be discussion on: “JAPA, Stay, or Invest? Making the Right Money Moves for Your Business.” This, he noted, is meant to address “the crucial dilemma faced by young professionals and entrepreneurs.”
Speakers at the conference, he disclosed, include Dr. Tayo Aduloju (CEO, Nigerian Economic Summit Group), Solape Akinpelu (CEO and Co-Founder, HerVest), Kolawole Yusuf (Founder and Creative Director, KolaKuddus Couture), Ette Assam (CEO, 8tte’s Barbeque and Cocktail) and Patience Uwayen Agweye (Founderr, Uwayen’s Event and Bridals).
According to him, other speakers at the event are Olumide Adeleye (Founder, Twim Institute), David Ogunshola (Founder, EarlyFounders Labs), Rotimi Eyitayo (CEO, TeamMasters Limited), Duke Emmanuel (Head of News, Programs, and Production, Hit FM Calabar) and Vanessa Ukamaka Richard-Bassey (Head of Programmes, Sparkling 92.3 FM).
“These experts will provide invaluable insights into high-demand skills, practical career strategies, business formalization and scaling, mentorship, and opportunities for creatives to monetize their talents and expand their global reach,” Ojo stated.
