At the EMERGE 2025 summit, convened by The Peak Performer (TPP) Africa, one truth rang loud and clear: the future belongs to those who can balance the intelligence of the machine with the intelligence of the heart.
Held in Lagos and Abuja to mark International Youth Day, the summit carried the striking theme: “21st Century Intelligence — Artificial or Emotional?” The conversations challenged young Nigerians to prepare for a fast-changing world powered by artificial intelligence (AI) while never neglecting the timeless value of emotional intelligence (EI).
Dr Abiola Salami, the founder of TPP Africa and convener of the event, told participants at Muson Centre, Lagos, that youth must embrace both kinds of intelligence but never mistake one for the other.
“You can learn to code, but you must also master emotional intelligence and human connection,” Salami said. “AI gives you tools, but EI gives you influence. You need both to thrive in the 21st century.”
Salami’s message went beyond rhetoric. He reminded young people that AI, while powerful, cannot replace empathy, strategic thinking, and resilience — skills that are central to building communities, businesses, and leadership structures that last.
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Grants and Opportunities At EMERGE 2025: Fueling Young Innovators
Beyond speeches and panel sessions, EMERGE 2025 proved practical in supporting young entrepreneurs. Two National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members — Fawole Folajimi and Oluwadare Precious — stood out in the summit’s business pitch competition. From over 2,000 entries, both clinched the top prize and walked away with ₦500,000 each to grow their businesses.
The grants were more than financial rewards; they were symbols of what the summit represents — creating real opportunities for young Nigerians to transform bold ideas into sustainable ventures. The winners also gained access to mentorship under GREET, a professional network built to connect African youth with industry leaders.
In addition, EMERGE 2025 launched its Innovation Fund, dedicated to helping bright young entrepreneurs secure early capital. Winners will also enjoy a six-month coaching programme, designed to help them refine ideas, scale businesses, and develop leadership skills alongside financial literacy.
For many in attendance, these initiatives showed that the summit is not just about talk, but about providing practical pathways to success.
Balancing Tech Savviness with Emotional Acuity
The summit also gave the stage to seasoned professionals across technology, media, finance, and education. Their shared wisdom underlined one thing: while AI may dominate headlines, it is emotional intelligence that will ultimately define human success.
Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, captured this sentiment vividly:
“AI is a tool — not a leader or strategist. It cannot replace creativity, context or human judgment. Young people must learn to lead with strategy, self-awareness and empathy even in an AI-driven world.”
Panels included voices like Prof Peter Obadare, Nigeria’s first Certified Chief AI Officer; Paul Ehiagbonare, Chief Executive of Accion Microfinance Bank; and Kemi Shonubi of TVC Communications. Together, they painted a picture of a future where the best professionals are those who pair digital skills with emotional acuity.
Discussions touched on how employers now increasingly value soft skills — communication, adaptability, teamwork, and resilience — as much as technical expertise. In fact, a McKinsey report cited at the event revealed that by 2030, demand for social and emotional skills in the workplace is expected to rise by more than 25%.
For young Nigerians facing a tough labour market, these insights were a wake-up call. It is not enough to know how to build systems; one must also know how to build trust, motivate teams, and navigate cultural diversity.
A Call to Nigeria’s Youth: Thrive on Both Intellects
As the event closed, one theme stood out: Nigeria’s youth do not have to choose between artificial and emotional intelligence — they must cultivate both.
Speakers emphasised that while AI may open doors, EI ensures those doors remain open. Technology might secure a job, but it is emotional intelligence that builds careers and sustains businesses. For a country with a young and restless population, the message resonated deeply.
The combination of grants, mentorship, networking, and powerful conversations made EMERGE 2025 more than just a conference. It became a platform of renewal — reminding Nigerian youth that in a world driven by algorithms, their humanity remains their greatest asset.
In the words of Dr Salami: “Artificial intelligence can make you faster, but emotional intelligence will make you unforgettable.”
EMERGE 2025 succeeded not only in spotlighting AI but in making an unshakable case for EI — positioning it as the heartbeat of leadership, innovation, and human progress in Nigeria’s unfolding future.
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