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In the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, the third edition of The Roundtable Lekki took place, a notable event aimed at empowering Nigerian youth to tackle societal challenges through practical initiatives.
Organized by The Church of God Mission International, Garden City, this year’s theme was “How To Make Money On Social Media,” reflecting the growing importance of digital literacy and online engagement in today’s economy.
The event brought together influential figures from various sectors, all united in their mission to inspire and educate the youth. Among the key speakers was Mrs. Oremeyi Akah, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Interswitch Group.
Akah’s message was clear and powerful: digital literacy is essential for economic growth and job creation. She emphasized that a nation’s ability to attract investment and grow industries is heavily influenced by the digital skills of its people.
“Digital platforms offer vast opportunities for generating wealth,” Akah stated, urging the youth to explore social media not just for entertainment, but as a viable avenue for income. She provided an academic overview of these platforms, illustrating how they can be utilized effectively to create economic opportunities.
The event featured an impressive lineup of social media influencers who have successfully turned their online presence into profitable ventures. Adebowale Adedeyo, popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, shared his journey from frustration to fame. Known for his comedic skits, Mr. Macaroni recounted how he battled depression and nearly took his life before finding his niche in the world of online comedy. His story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and creativity.
Similarly, Nonso Fidelis, known as Aproko Doctor, captivated the audience with his transition from a practicing medical doctor to a social media health educator. Aproko Doctor’s simplified health-related content has made significant impacts, demonstrating how professional knowledge can be translated into engaging and educational online material.
Lasisi Elenu, another prominent influencer, provided a humorous yet poignant account of his rise to fame. He spoke about his struggles with poverty and how it pushed him to explore skit making. His story highlighted the importance of leveraging one’s talents and using social media platforms wisely to escape difficult circumstances.
In addition to these influencers, the event also featured insights from Hon. Olatubosun Alake, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology. Alake outlined the various support systems available from Lagos state, encouraging attendees to take advantage of programs like the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) and the Hub Voucher Program. He emphasized the importance of staying informed about open calls for applications and exploring the numerous opportunities provided by the state to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
The president of Benson Idahosa University, Dr. Feb Idahosa, also made a significant contribution to the event with his presentation on “Building Your Personal Brand.” He underscored the significance of creating valuable content that educates, entertains, or inspires audiences. Idahosa advised aspiring content creators to focus on solving problems and maintaining consistency in their postings rather than fixating on follower counts and clout chasing. “Another way to build your brand is to post frequently. Be consistent. You must not post perfect content, just post what you have,” he advised, emphasizing the importance of regular engagement with one’s audience.
The panel discussions, led by Barr. Uyi Agho, offered a deeper dive into the experiences of the influencers. They shared their early beginnings, strategies for success, and lessons learned along the way. Aproko Doctor discussed the challenges he faced while transitioning from medicine to social media, and Mr. Macaroni spoke about overcoming personal struggles to find his voice in comedy. Lasisi Elenu entertained the audience with anecdotes from his journey, highlighting the resilience required to turn social media into a sustainable career.
One of the key messages from the panel was a warning to new content creators about the pitfalls of using their platforms for clout chasing or engaging in celebrity feuds. The influencers stressed the importance of authenticity and using one’s platform to positively impact society.
Rev. Chris Ubamadu, the convener of the event, expressed the church’s commitment to addressing societal challenges such as poverty and unemployment through practical initiatives like The Roundtable Lekki. He explained that the theme “How To Make Money On Social Media” was chosen to tackle these issues head-on by providing youths with the knowledge and tools they need to create their own financial opportunities. “We can help reduce poverty by showing people little things they can do on their own to make money,” Ubamadu stated, highlighting the church’s proactive approach to fostering positive change within communities.
Reflecting on the event’s past editions, Ubamadu noted that previous themes had focused on real estate and the entertainment sector. This year’s focus on social media was a natural progression, considering the growing influence of digital platforms in today’s economy.
The Roundtable Lekki served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many young Nigerians, showcasing the potential of social media as a tool for economic empowerment. The event underscored the importance of digital literacy, personal branding, and consistent engagement in building a successful online presence.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the insights and experiences shared by the speakers had left a lasting impact on the attendees. The message was unequivocal: with the right skills, mindset, and perseverance, social media can be a powerful vehicle for wealth creation and personal transformation.
In a world where digital engagement is increasingly paramount, The Roundtable Lekki has once again proven to be an invaluable platform for empowering Nigerian youths, equipping them with the knowledge and inspiration needed to navigate and succeed in the digital age.
