The YALI Network Nigeria, the national network of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), has hosted its National Summit, AIDIENGL 2026, in Lagos, with a focus on artificial intelligence, digital innovation and the future of African leadership.
The hybrid summit, held at the Sheba Centre in Ikeja, brought together students, emerging leaders, professionals, civic leaders and innovators from across Nigeria.
The event was organised around the theme, “AI, Digital Innovation, and Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders.”
Speaking at the opening session, National Head of YALI Network Nigeria, Rabihat Rabiu, urged participants to see leadership as a responsibility they could begin exercising immediately rather than something reserved for the future.
“Leadership isn’t something you’ll receive today — it’s something you’ll practice, starting right now, in this room,” Rabiu said.
The summit featured keynote presentations by Dr. Adenike Agboola-Fayemi, Head of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility at Wema Bank; Hon. (Dr.) Abdoul Baq Ladi Balogun, Managing Director of Lagos Ferry Services; and Julius Ilori, President of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Association of Nigeria (MWAFAAN).
Balogun’s address on artificial intelligence as a catalyst for Africa’s transformation was delivered by his representative, Abdul Akeem.
Ilori focused on the mindset and skills required by young African leaders to thrive in the era of artificial intelligence.
Deputy Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, Casey Bonfield, also delivered goodwill remarks, stressing the importance of excellence and leadership development among young Nigerians.
“Excellence isn’t something you inherit — it’s something you build,” Bonfield said.
A major feature of the summit was an artificial intelligence masterclass led by Olalekan Adeeko, Co-Founder of TedPrime Ltd., followed by a panel discussion on the intersection of AI and creative practice.
The panel, featuring Adeeko and media executive and creative strategist, Dr. Sulaiman Kassim, was moderated by Jeremiah Adeyemi.
Participants also examined the potential of digital innovation to expand financial inclusion during a FinTech and Inclusive Finance panel featuring wealth coach and founder of Smart Stewards, Sola Adesakin, and Wema Bank UI/UX Engineer, Toluwalase Obasun. The session was moderated by Theresa Chibogu.
Another panel focused on health and agriculture, with Dr. Kayode Odunuga of Brain Bloom Care and Aminat Kazeem, founder of Ofada Hub, discussing how technology and innovation could contribute to building a more resilient Africa. Patricia Mgborogwu moderated the session.
The summit also featured the screening of YALI Network Nigeria’s impact documentary, “Our Impact, Our Journey,” showcasing activities and presentations from its hubs in Kebbi, Osun, Ekiti, Abia and Lagos.
A leadership debate was also held on the motion, “AI, Digital Innovation and the Future of African Leadership: Are We Ready?”
The debate featured representatives of YALI Network hubs in Kebbi, Osun, Ekiti and Abia and generated strong arguments and audience participation.
The programme concluded with an audience poll and leadership challenge, during which participants were encouraged to commit to specific actions they would implement after the summit.
In a closing remark delivered by Afeez Adegoke, Osun State Coordinator, on behalf of Shola Ojelaje, Member of the YALI Network Nigeria Board of Trustees, organisers declared: “The Summit Ends Today. The Work Begins Tomorrow.”
The programme continued the following day with a boat cruise along the Lagos waterways, sponsored by the Lagos State Waterways Authority and Hon. (Dr.) AbdoulBaq Ladi Balogun, Executive Director of Lagos Ferry Services.
The cruise was open to delegates from other states, interested participants and YALI Network members.
AIDIENGL 2026 was supported by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, Wema Bank, Mandela Washington Fellowship Association of Nigeria, Lagos Ferry Services and the Lagos State Waterways Authority, among other partners and sponsors.
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