The Young and Women Advancement Initiative (YWA) has hosted the inaugural edition of its flagship Gen Next Conference, in Lagos drawing a vibrant crowd of young minds eager to chart a course for a purpose-driven future.

Titled “Your Future Begins With Your Next Decision,” the one-day event was a clarion call for the next generation to move from passivity to productivity, combining high-impact keynote sessions with spiritual and personal development.

The conference, convened by Mrs. Olanireti Dupe Iji in a chat said the event was designed to equip attendees with the tools needed to make impactful decisions early in life. According to the Convener, the event was born out of a “simple conviction that young people should not have to wait until they are older before they begin to make an impact.”

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Mrs. Iji, who also runs a paid mentorship hub for teenagers, noted a troubling trend among youth who believe the future is too far away to worry about.

“I’ve never worked in the corporate spaces, but I’ve used the skills I built as a child to survive,” Mrs. Iji explained. “I am beginning to see ways the younger generation can pick up ideas and create job opportunities for others. So, we brought together people of like minds to push them… whatever decisions they are making today will determine what their tomorrow will become.”

Looking ahead, the Convener’s vision extends beyond a single event; she aims for a global movement. “I want this to be a year-in-year-out event… as time goes on, I would love to move from one state to the other and as well as to other countries,” she stated. Her ultimate goal is for attendees to build an economy for the nation “without waiting for the federal government.”

The conference featured a series of high-impact talks focusing on the intersection of faith, character, and professional development.

Mr. Korede O. Ayeni the founder and CEO of Agrolocale Investment Limited opened the sessions with a focus on the “Future of Work,” urging attendees to discover themselves early and make bold decisions. “Don’t be afraid to start small; not everyone will start out big,” Ayeni advised, emphasizing adaptability and open-mindedness.

Patience Osinaike a certified educator and Programme manager drove home the necessity of character over clout, teaching a principle of “Becoming before Arriving.” She charged the youth to prioritize “integrity over image” and “principles over pressure,” framing discipline as a prerequisite for long-term freedom.

In a session addressing the social struggles of youth, Oluwademiladeayo Olalere tackled peer pressure from a spiritual perspective. While acknowledging that it is okay not to know your exact career path yet, Olalere stressed the importance of knowing your identity in Christ. “Your friends must align with your values and principles,” she stated, reminding attendees that “failure is not final” and that a reliance on God through prayer is essential, especially as they step into independence.

Juliana Odekhian a prominent Nigerian educator challenged participants to stop waiting for opportunities and to start creating them. Highlighting critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, and confidence, she presented a three-step framework: Know yourself, Grow yourself, and show yourself. She asked attendees pointed questions: “What can you learn? What problem can you solve?”

Dr Uddy Isirimah, prominent medical doctorand holistic wellness expert. encouraged attendees to appreciate their work and be clear on who they were created to be, and a dynamic panel discussion featuring Mary Omange, Adebowale Ayomide, Roseline Adams Aigbokhan, and Oyeb Itaya.

The panelists reinforced the themes of intentionality, capacity building, and the importance of taking God seriously in one’s journey.

The conference concluded with a charge from “Aunty Ola,” who reminded the youth of the unique freedom they possess. “Know your identity early,” she encouraged. “Don’t allow other people to shut you up.”

As the attendees left with practical tools—ranging from writing daily achievements to finding mentors and sponsors—the message of the Gen Next Conference was clear: the time to build the future is not tomorrow; it is now, and it begins with the next decision.

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