Written by Prof. Mannixs E. Paul, PhD, FCFIP, FCIML, FCECFI, FFAR
Lagos, Nigeria – August 9, 2025 – The HOPEAGE Conference 2025, held from August 7–9 at the Kingdom Recovery Center in Lagos, ended on a high note, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended. Over three life-changing days, close to 400 young people—onsite and online—came together from across Nigeria and beyond, representing various educational backgrounds from high school students to PhD holders. The audience reflected an inspiring balance, with 52% female and 48% male, underscoring the inclusive spirit of the gathering.
At a time when the challenges of unemployment, moral drift, and shrinking opportunities weigh heavily on the youth of Africa, HOPEAGE CONFERENCE 2025 rose as a beacon of hope and action. It was more than a conference; it was a movement, driving home the message that collaboration is the heartbeat of real, lasting change.
The atmosphere pulsed with energy, ideas, and determination from start to finish. Participants were inspired and equipped with practical skills, ethical values, and entrepreneurial vision—tools they could carry beyond the conference to create tangible change in their communities.
Leadership with Purpose and Government Backing
The heartbeat of this success was the visionary leadership of Saint Edmund Ikejuno Anyahmiwe of the Kingdom Recovery Church, whose unwavering commitment to values-based education and self-reliance shaped the entire program.
The event was further strengthened by the official endorsement of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth Development, represented by Mrs. Adewuyi Folashade on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Pharm. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Oke-Osan. This endorsement was far more than a formality—it was a clear demonstration of the government’s resolve to champion youth empowerment, perfectly aligning with the mission and spirit of HOPEAGE.
It also showcased the power of collaboration, proving that lasting change becomes possible when faith-based organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, and civil society unite for a shared purpose.
As Executive Director of the HOPEAGE Conference 2025, Mobilization, Prof. Mannixs Paul worked closely with all partners to ensure that every detail contributed to the event’s success. With heartfelt gratitude, the organizing team acknowledges God’s divine provision and expresses joy that all participants—who traveled from various states—returned home safely, inspired, and renewed.
Partnerships that Multiply Impact
The reach and richness of HOPEAGE 2025 were made possible through a strong network of partners, including the Mannixs Empowerment Foundation (MEFOUNDATION), Kingdom Recovery Church, American University of Technology (USA), Niger Delta University (NDU), Global Initiative for the Advancement of Africa (GIAA), and the International Strategic Alliance for Academic Research and Professional Development Worldwide.
This powerful collaboration brought together a wealth of resources, ideas, and expertise, blending academic depth with practical, hands-on training in leadership and entrepreneurship. It proved once again that when people and institutions unite under a shared vision, their combined efforts create ripples of change that travel far beyond the walls of a conference hall, into homes, businesses, and the wider society.
The Youth Are Not Waiting for Tomorrow
HOPEAGE CONFERENCE 2025 left no doubt: Africa’s youth are not just the leaders of the future—they are the change-makers of today. They are ready, willing, and unstoppable with the proper support.
The conference has set a new benchmark for how vision, partnership, and action can transform a generation by sparking collaboration, sharpening skills, and igniting purpose.
Courtesy of MEFoundation