Premium Times Services Limited, publisher of one of Nigeria’s leading investigative newspapers, is set to host the first edition of its Employability Summit on Thursday, June 19, in collaboration with Business School Netherlands (BSN), 7Up Bottling Company, and The SME Scale Up.
Themed “Converting Nigeria’s Demography into Assets,” the summit will take place at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and is designed as an annual platform to drive bold solutions to the country’s mounting unemployment crisis, especially among the youth.
Shaping the Future of Work in Nigeria
With a growing population of young, energetic Nigerians, the summit aims to shift the focus from conversation to commitment and execution—driving real solutions in areas such as:
-
Skills development
-
Vocational and workforce readiness
-
Entrepreneurship and SME support
-
Digital innovation
-
Private-public partnerships
“This is more than a dialogue—it’s a commitment to reimagine the future of work and stimulate inclusive, opportunity-driven economic growth,” the organisers noted.
High-Level Speakers and Visionaries
The event boasts an impressive lineup of industry leaders, policymakers, and changemakers, including:
-
Niyi Yusuf, Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group
-
Ziad Maalouf, Managing Director, 7Up Bottling Company
-
Uyi Akpata, Former Country Partner, PwC Nigeria
-
Michael Ikpoki, CEO, Africa Context Advisory Partners
-
Esiri Agbeyi, Partner, PwC Nigeria
-
Obi Asika, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture
-
Oludare Odusanya, GM, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation
-
Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, CEO, Rise Networks
-
Kelechi Abiri, Founder, Reposebay HR
-
Prof. Lere Baale, CEO, Business School Netherlands
-
Lara Yeku, Divisional Director, HR, Flour Mills of Nigeria
-
Nneka Eneli, Director, Workforce Outsourcing
-
Samira Bello, CEO, Aadun & Co.
-
Oladeinde Olawoyin, Business, Energy & Economy Editor, PREMIUM TIMES
Spotlight on Partners
7Up Bottling Company
Established in 1959, 7Up has been instrumental in Nigeria’s economic development through job creation and local supplier engagement. Operating nine plants nationwide, the company represents decades of successful local enterprise.
The SME Scale Up
A transformative platform dedicated to helping Nigerian SMEs overcome growth limitations. With a bold vision to create 1 million jobs by 2035, it focuses on building capacity, networks, and business resilience.
BSN Nigeria
A provider of innovative learning for African managers, BSN is committed to strengthening leadership and problem-solving capabilities across the continent’s business landscape through globally relevant education.
A Call to Action
Organisers describe the Employability Summit as more than just a forum for discussion—it is a launchpad for long-term change, aligning the efforts of the private sector, academia, government, and civil society to build an inclusive and sustainable employment ecosystem in Nigeria.
By catalyzing practical, scalable ideas and forming impactful collaborations, the summit sets out to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s youth and shape a future economy that is both resilient and globally competitive.
