Industry leaders, innovators, and tech professionals have urged Nigerian youth to embrace effective digital tools in their cause to tap into the digital marketplace.
Speaking at the inaugural Digital Professional Fair 2025 held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, the founder of Oyster Skin, Jude Chikezie, shared how patience, process, and purpose have shaped the growth of his brand, urging Nigerian youth to take time in building their brands before accelerating their vision.
He emphasised the accessibility of digital marketing as a way for young entrepreneurs to enter the field, while stressing that continuous practice, collaboration, and monetising skills are essential for maintaining competitiveness.
” Patience is key for anyone who aspires to become a successful entrepreneur. Many promising brands and visions were cut short in the middle, simply because many entrepreneurs are not willing to grow slowly before acceleration.
” You must be very patient to develop your brand and watch it fly right before your eyes. Patience, process and purpose effectively shaped my brand,” he said.
Fielding questions from attendees, Jude stated in clear terms that it is paramount for every would-be entrepreneur to have an existing brand before approaching investors to embrace partnership.
”Of course, funding will always be a major challenge when starting up a business, but you should have an existing brand before approaching investors, that is where you stand a chance, he said.
Also speaking at the event, legal practitioner Oluwatosin Adegbesan urged entrepreneurs to keep themselves abreast with every binding legal term and condition involved before venturing into partnership. She noted that vision drivers and young entrepreneurs have been kicked out of business due to what she described as legal negligence.
It is important you understand every legal term and condition surrounding any business before signing papers. If you have doubts, get yourself a lawyer to explain some legal terms to you before signing papers,’ she warned
The event, which began on Monday and ended on Tuesday, was organised by Ms. Tutu Adetunbi. It served as both a talent incubator and a platform aligned with policy goals, aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with the skills, strategies, and mindset necessary to compete in the global digital marketplace.
Ms. Adetunbi stated that the fair aimed to address the skills gap and expand career opportunities in a sector with significant economic growth potential.
“If we are to see Nigeria’s digital economy thrive, we must prepare our young people to lead it, ” she declared.
Speakers at the event discussed the link between personal career growth and Nigeria’s economic future. Creative Resource Consultant Ms. Uchechi Ihuoma highlighted digital marketing as an accessible entry point for young entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of sustained practice, collaboration, and skill monetisation.
Miss Hassanant Abubakar, Founder of Fuse Variety, presented her four pillars of digital growth—skill, systems, structure, and strategy—essential for both business success and building a resilient digital workforce.
Digital strategist Miss Amarachi Ogbonna encouraged participants to view freelancing and corporate work as complementary, both contributing to Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Several attendees noted that the fair enhanced their understanding of their growth as part of a national effort in the global digital economy. Earlier, Ms. Omobosola Alaka, CEO and Co-Founder of Hafrikplay, urged young Nigerians to embrace AI as a valuable tool for boosting the digital economy.
She recommended that the government collaborate with “The Digital Professional Fair” organisers to host more events that connect professionals and share insights, leading to better decision-making in the field.
