The 2025 edition of the Ibom Ignite Conference has officially opened at the Ibom Led Centre, IBB Avenue, Uyo, drawing young people from different parts of Nigeria with a strong call to embrace innovation, resilience, and self-determination in order to accelerate both personal and collective destinies. This year’s theme is “ignite to accelerate,” with leaders stressing the need for youth empowerment, digital technology, and entrepreneurship.
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, recalled the origin of the conference as a vision to uplift young people and challenge the entitlement mentality. He emphasised that government alone cannot define success, urging participants to take responsibility for shaping their lives. “Everyday God gives you is an opportunity, so as you’ve come today, I beg you, don’t waste this opportunity. I like to talk to young people, take your destiny in your hands,” the governor said.
In his welcome address, Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob gave a background to the growth of the conference, noting that it began as a youth impact programme and has since evolved into a global event hosted at world-class venues. He encouraged participants to take action and remain focused, declaring: “Fire without movement is wasted. Wake up the giant inside you, because your future starts now.”
Delivering the opening charge, Rev. Dr. Godwin Amaowoh highlighted empowerment as the foundation of wealth creation, quoting from Deuteronomy 8:18 and Luke 4:6. He explained that God provides people with ideas, ability, and vision, while human beings build the platforms and infrastructure that drive growth. He urged young people not to waste resources but to take advantage of the opportunities available.
Keynote speaker Obafemi Banigbe, CEO of emerging markets telecommunications services, described the Ibom Ignite Conference as more than just a gathering. He called it a movement with the potential to transform industries and communities, praising Akwa Ibom’s progress in the past two decades. He pointed to opportunities in agriculture, artificial intelligence, and digital technology, stressing: “When I look at this state, I see possibilities. To the young people here: you are not just leaders of tomorrow, you are leaders of today. Don’t dim your spark, ignite it.”
Since its inception, the Ibom Ignite Conference has provided a platform for vision building, entrepreneurship, and leadership development, drawing participants from diverse fields to accelerate growth and innovation in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.