LinkedIn local Nigeria 2025 inspires professionals to evolve beyond narrative

By Matthew Ogunwale

The 2025 edition of LinkedIn Local Nigeria, held at the prestigious Trinity Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together professionals, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs under the inspiring theme “Evolving Beyond the Narrative” on October 4, 2025.

The event featured engaging keynote sessions, fireside chats, and leadership talks that challenged participants to think differently about purpose, leadership, and wealth creation.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates

Aisha N. Ahmad, CFA, OFR, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, delivered a reflective message that set the tone for personal growth and transformation. She emphasised that the mind is the foundation for meaningful change. “The mind is powerful; it is the true starting point of transformation,” she said, encouraging participants to remain consistent in their pursuits. “Consistency is better than perfection, and you must find the courage to be who you are.”

Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, delivered a compelling keynote address titled “Creating Wealth That Transforms Generations.” He introduced participants to what he called the “Three S’s of Wealth Creation” – Systems, Strategy, and Significance.

According to Oyedele, understanding systems is fundamental to building lasting wealth. “You must understand the rules, master the system, and focus on the possibilities,” he emphasised. He further noted that one’s environment may not guarantee wealth, but it can create opportunities for it.

Speaking on Strategy, Oyedele highlighted mindset as the cornerstone of financial success. “Mindset drives behaviour. You must seek financial knowledge, avoid assumptions, and take personal responsibility,” he advised.

On Significance, he explained that wealth transcends material accumulation. “Wealth is not about what you make but about what you make possible. Lasting transformation goes beyond physical wealth. Don’t just blow; build and sustain it. Success is personal, but significance is bigger than you,” he concluded, reminding the audience that “wealth is more than money; it’s freedom, influence, and impact.”

In a thought-provoking fireside chat moderated by Tijesunimi, Dr Tochukwu Macfoy discussed the importance of storytelling in shaping personal and collective identity. He stressed that “timing is everything in narration,” adding that “an event is only as powerful as the narration that follows it. Nobody would know the cross if it wasn’t told, so make sure you tell your story. Dr Macfoy also warned that “mispositioning kills more than mediocrity,” concluding with, “Identity is the handle you give somebody to interact with you.”

In the leadership segment, Mr Tonye Patrick Cole, Co-Founder of Sahara Group, spoke passionately about “Young Leaders Shaping Nigeria’s New Story.” He cautioned young professionals to avoid associating with people suffering from “PhD syndrome – Pull Him Down.” Cole listed six key attributes for emerging leaders: knowing what God says about them, believing in themselves, leveraging their uniqueness, living disciplined and humble lives, and developing strong local and international relationships.

Cole further emphasised the importance of vision. “Never give up on Nigeria because Nigeria rewards those who invest in it. Craft the story you want to see and follow it. Remember, what you see is important,” he said. He concluded with a striking reminder: “Failure always has an excuse; success never does.”

In another powerful session, Jesudamilare Adesegun-David, CEO of Ennovate Lab, spoke on “The Rise of the Unreasonable Visionary.” He challenged participants to adopt long-term thinking and embrace visionary persistence. “Those who change the world are unreasonable,” he said. “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world, but the unreasonable man persists in adapting the world to himself.” He encouraged the audience to think in “10-year and 100-year timelines,” emphasising “if you stay with something long enough, people’s doubts begin to dissolve.” According to him, “You cannot shape narratives if you move by trends.”

Another fireside chat, moderated by Esther Adeshina, featured Oluwatosin Olaseinde, Founder and CEO of Money Africa. She underscored the importance of financial literacy, discipline, and delayed gratification. “It’s not about what you earn but what you do with what you earn,” Olaseinde said. She advised participants to cultivate the habits of saving, investing, and obtaining insurance, noting that “time is an asset; start early.”

Mrs Hunponu-Wusu, in her session titled “Turning Big Dreams into Funded Realities,” shared insights on preparation, networking, and humility as essential traits for dreamers. “You must understand the rules of the gate and the people who guard them,” she said. She urged attendees to “stay around people who encourage you, be ready to serve, and show clarity.” Her closing words drew a vivid analogy: “If you share your dream of crude oil with a groundnut oil person, you’re going to get dismissed.”