Younger Nigerians have been urged to embrace consistency, intentionality and entrepreneurship as pathways to personal growth and national development.
The call was made by popular broadcaster, event host and storyteller, Ayo-Akande, popularly known as AY Nigeria, at the eighth edition of Connect and Grow with AY Nigeria in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The event, held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Ekiti State Startup Garage, also featured the celebration of Akande’s birthday and the unveiling of his new book.
The youth-focused gathering brought together students, professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners to exchange ideas on personal development, economic empowerment and nation-building.
Speaking at the event, Akande urged young people not to be discouraged by the perception that Ekiti State offers limited opportunities for business growth, encouraging them to identify and maximise the potential within their environment.
He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to develop marketable skills, build distinctive brands around their products and services, and take advantage of available resources to establish sustainable businesses.
According to him, consistency, discipline, strategic branding and effective communication are essential for attracting customers, improving business visibility and achieving long-term success.
Akande also challenged young Nigerians to take deliberate steps towards their ambitions rather than wait for perfect conditions, stressing that meaningful progress often begins with small but consistent efforts.
The highlight of the gathering was the unveiling of his 24-chapter book, Rules of Engagement: What They Don’t Teach You About Life, Power and Becoming, which explores practical lessons on life, leadership and personal development.
The author disclosed that he spent two years writing the book, drawing from personal experiences and lessons he believes could help readers make informed decisions and navigate challenges in their personal and professional lives.
He described the publication as a practical guide for individuals interested in self-development, leadership and nation-building, noting that many important life lessons are often learnt through setbacks, disappointments and difficult experiences.
Akande said his motivation for writing the book went beyond earning recognition as an author, explaining that he wanted to document useful lessons that could inspire others, broaden their perspectives and help them approach life’s challenges more effectively.
He urged readers to move beyond simply reading the book by applying its lessons to their careers, businesses and relationships, while encouraging young Nigerians to invest in personal development and use their talents to create opportunities for themselves and contribute to national growth.
