EMERGE byTPPAfrica champions a New Era for Africa’s Youth to blend AI with Emotional Intelligence

As Two Entrepreneurs Win N500,000 Innovation Fund

Lagos & Abuja, Nigeria — August 19, 2025
In a bold vision for African youth leadership, EMERGE 2025, powered by The Peak Performer (TPP) Africa, underscored the essential harmony between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI). With simultaneous events in Lagos and Abuja, the summit drew over 2,000 participants—including final-year students, startup founders, early-career professionals, and NYSC corps members—from across the nation.

A Platform Bridging Humanity and Technology

At his keynote, Dr. Abiola Salami, Founder of TPP Africa and Convener of EMERGE, framed the summit as a response to the modern workforce’s dual demands:

“You can learn to code, but you must also master emotional intelligence and human connection.”

He continued:

“Artificial Intelligence can teach machines to think. Emotional Intelligence teaches humans to matter. Technology makes you efficient; Emotional Intelligence makes you effective.”

Seed Grants Fuel Innovation and Impact

A key highlight was the EMERGE Innovation Fund, which awarded ₦500,000 each to two young innovators: Fawole Folajimi, an NYSC serving corps member in Lagos, and Oluwadare Precious, a fashionpreneur from Akure. Selected from over 2,000 applicants, their solutions stood out in a heated pitch competition. The winners also gained access to a six‑month mentorship, global coaching platforms, and visibility opportunities.

Elevating Thought Leadership and Global Support

Representing the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, Acting Public Affairs Officer Raisa Dukas praised the summit:

“EMERGE is a transformational programme focused on equipping Nigerian youth with Emotional Intelligence, career mastery, entrepreneurial mindset, and personal growth.” She emphasized that the real challenge isn’t choosing between AI and EI—but weaving them together to shape a brighter future.

She further commended Dr. Abiola Salami, an almunus of US Mission’s International Visitors Leadership Program for his visionary commitment to developing the capacity of Nigerian Youths.

Programs that Inspire and Prepare

Under the theme “21st Century Intelligence – Artificial or Emotional?”, EMERGE offered masterclasses, panels, and breakout sessions. Topics like Startups in the Age of AI, The Inner Skills That Make You Relevant Anywhere, and How to Understand and Manage Your Emotions were led by thought leaders from who are all honourees on The Peak Performer Africa platform including Doyin Adelabu, Jide Adeola, Uche Ogbonnaya, Yejide Taiwo, Dorcas Thorpe, Robert Agwu, Anto Lecky, Chinenye Onuorah, Adedayo Adejokun, Ibukun Osoba, Obianuju Ikegbune, Ifunanya Igwe, Tosin Adeyemi, Imoh Eboh, Austin Onuoha and more.

During the panel AI, Automation & The Nigerian Youth: What Robots Can’t Do, You Must Master, industry experts—including Paul Ehiagbonare, Victoria Uwadoka, Kemi Shonubi, and David Brown—highlighted that creativity, empathy, and ethics must remain distinctly human attributes.

Sustained Impact Through Mentorship

Beyond the one-day event, EMERGE integrates with GRIT, a mentorship platform that currently engages over 1,000 young Africans, ensuring lasting support and pathways for growth.

Dr. Salami emphasized: “Not every young person has a godfather. Some face systemic odds. But EMERGE is here to help them thrive despite those odds.”