NDLink reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and regional transformation through active participation at the 15th edition of The Bridge Leadership Foundation (TBLF)’s Career Day Conference, held at the Calabar International Convention Centre.

With the theme, “New Horizons: Bridging the Youth Employability and Entrepreneurship Gap,” the conference convened hundreds of changemakers—students, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and development stakeholders—focused on unlocking youth potential and reimagining the future of work in Nigeria and the Niger Delta.

Igniting a Generation of Changemakers

As Nigeria navigates challenges ranging from unemployment to digital disruption and migration, this year’s Career Day served as a powerful reminder: the talent is here—it just needs to be empowered.

Opening the conference, Senator Liyel Imoke, former Governor of Cross River State and TBLF Founder, emphasized the Foundation’s decade-long mission to shape visionary, values-driven leadership among youth. His message set the tone for a day filled with inspiration, strategy, and action.

Keynote addresses from Mr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, and Mr. Patrick Ekpe, PIND’s Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) Manager, challenged youth to think boldly, act strategically, and lead with purpose.

“We are equipping young people not just with technical skills, but with a mindset of possibility,” said Mr. Ekpe. “When youth are mentored and supported to become job creators, the ripple effects empower entire communities.”

Game-Changing Conversations on Youth and the Future of Work

Two insightful panel sessions anchored the day’s discussions:

1. The Future of Work:

Moderated by Vanessa Ukamaka Richard-Bassey (Sparkling FM 92.3), this session explored AI readiness, gig economy trends, and the digital skills gap. Speakers included:

●        Olamide Adeyeye (Jobberman)

●        Olumide Adeleye (Twin Institute)

●        David Ogunshola (Early Founders Lab)

2. Stay, Invest, or Japa?

Led by Rotimi Eyitayo, this candid session unpacked migration, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Panelists like Solape Akinpelu, Uwayen Agweye, and Kola Kuddus Yusuf shared practical insights on building sustainable livelihoods right here at home.

Alumni of TBLF programs also took the stage, sharing powerful testimonies that highlighted the long-term impact of consistent investment in youth leadership.

NDLink at the Youth Innovation Hub

At NDLink’s exhibition booth, over 100 young creatives and entrepreneurs connected with our team to share ideas, exchange contacts, and explore collaboration opportunities. These innovators showcased what youth-led development truly looks like.

Featured Standouts:

• Unique Feets Apparels – A youth-owned footwear brand merging Afrocentric design and sustainability to scale across Nigeria.
• Ekebe Creations – A cultural gift and packaging business inspired by Efik traditions and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Hack51 by Patrick Ndifon – A tech platform linking young people to mentorship and real-world experience through project-based learning.

These ventures exemplify the passion and potential brewing in the Niger Delta’s next generation.

Why NDLink Was There

As the region’s digital hub for knowledge sharing, NDLink’s presence aligned with its mission to:

• Connect with youth innovators and local changemakers
• Forge partnerships that amplify youth-led impact
• Spotlight stories aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Looking Ahead

TBLF’s 15th Career Day Conference was more than a one-day gathering; it was a movement. A call to action for young people to lead from the frontlines of innovation, entrepreneurship, and social transformation.

NDLink is proud to have been part of this ecosystem of changemakers. We remain committed to:

• Bridging conversations
• Building networks
• Telling the stories that matter for the Niger Delta’s future

Were You at the 15th Career Day Conference? Let’s Keep the Conversation Going.

Do you have a startup, success story, or youth-led initiative we should feature?

Contact us at NDLink.org/contact and join the growing community of young leaders shaping the future of the Niger Delta.