The Catalyst Symposium Series Empowers Emerging Leaders, Promotes Inter-ethnic Harmony

The Catalyst Symposium Series, a platform that brings together innovative thinkers, industry leaders and aspiring change-makers in communities have continued to empower emerging leaders across Nigeria and promote inter-ethnic harmony.

The Catalyst Symposium Series, launched in February 2025 under the theme “The Future Conversations,” showcased an ambitious goal to bridge leadership talent and ignite innovation across various fields.

The inaugural gathering in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) became the beginning of a movement that would spread to cities, becoming a trailblazing platform for dynamic leaders, innovators, and change-makers across Nigeria.

Over the year, the series held four impactful editions—in Abuja, Lagos, Akure, and Benin—drawing hundreds of attendees and sparking conversations on empathy-driven leadership, innovation, and sustainable growth.

From tackling Africa’s leadership challenges to promoting inter-ethnic harmony, the symposiums featured an impressive lineup of speakers.

In Abuja, visionaries explored cutting-edge trends; in Lagos, leaders dissected emotional intelligence and strategic thinking; in Akure, discussions pivoted to entrepreneurship and social change; and in Benin, the focus was on identity, liver health, and policy innovation.

Speakers drawn from different background, including like Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, Toyin Alasi, MC Casino, and Dr. Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi brought diverse expertise, inspiring attendees to drive tangible impact.

The Benin edition, held on December 1 at the University of Benin, stood out with talks on “Guarding the Gateway: Unmasking Liver Toxicity’s Grip on a Generation” and “Navigating Identity: Overcoming Crisis and Rediscovering Self-Worth.” Speakers at the event, including Hon. Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi, Prof. Odigwe Nwaokocha, and Dr. Efosa Emmanuel Iyamu emphasized creativity, empathy, and science-backed solutions for community challenges.Highpoints across the events, included hands-on workshops, keynote speeches, and panels fostered networking frenzies, equipping participants with practical tools for progress.

The symposiums underscored Benin’s and Nigeria’s potential as leadership beacons, aligning with UN SDGs and countering divisive narratives with empathy-driven action.

Arogundade Dolapo, the convener, said : “The Catalyst Symposium has ignited a movement. Small sparks lead to big change—one conversation, one idea, one step forward.”

According to him, there are plans to expand the series to more cities; urging partners and leaders to join this journey of cultivating innovation and impact.

As the year closes, the ripple effects of these gatherings promise sustained collaborations, proving that collective vision fuels transformative growth.