the catalyst symposium benin 2025

About

The Catalyst Symposium Benin, held on December 1, 2025, at the Main Auditorium of the University of Benin in Benin City, Nigeria, marked a pivotal chapter in the ongoing Catalyst Symposium Series for Dynamic Leaders. This event extended the series’ inaugural success in Abuja earlier in the year, under the overarching theme “The Future Conversations.” Drawing over 200 attendees—including young entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and community leaders—the symposium fostered a vibrant platform for dialogue on empathy-driven leadership, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. With a focus on transforming visions into actionable strategies, the gathering emphasized how dynamic leadership can address Africa’s pressing challenges, from economic disparities to sustainable development. The event’s electric atmosphere, amplified by interactive sessions, underscored its role as a catalyst for personal and collective growth.

At the heart of the symposium’s impact were its distinguished speakers, each bringing unique expertise to the stage. Hon. Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi, a prominent political figure and advocate for youth empowerment humbly represented by Engineer Olubayode Akinduko - ED Engineering, BORBDA, delivered a compelling session on policy innovation and governance. His contribution centered on bridging the gap between policy formulation and grassroots implementation. He shared case studies from his personal life and experiences, illustrating how empathetic policies—such as digital literacy programs—can amplify marginalized voices. Attendees praised his interactive Q&A, where he outlined practical steps for young leaders to influence local assemblies and how Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority empowers tertiary institutions and scholars through their Irrigation, agriculture and irrigation programmes. Olubayode’s role underscored the symposium’s call to action, inspiring a cohort of participants to draft community policy briefs during the event, fostering immediate, tangible outcomes.

H.E. Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, a high-ranking political leader and advocate for regional integration represented by Hon. Charity Amayaenvbo (Edo State Commissioner for Youth Affairs, brought a legislative perspective to the discussions. Hon. Charity’s keynote focused on the role of empathy in cross-border collaborations, drawing from his experiences in fostering West African economic ties. His contribution was pivotal in a panel on “Global Challenges, Local Solutions,” where he advocated for Benin City’s emergence as a hub for sustainable trade. By sharing insights on leveraging diaspora networks for investment, Charity equipped attendees with strategies to combat youth unemployment and restlessness. His charismatic delivery, infused with personal anecdotes from his political journey, galvanized the audience, leading to commitments from local businesses to mentor emerging leaders post-event.

Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, a renowned dentist and gender equity champion, represented by Professor Anthony O Atimati (Professor of Paediatric Gastroenterology) -  Currently the Deputy Chairman, (Training and Monitoring) Medical Advisory Committee, UBTH, enriched the symposium with his topic, Effect of over-reliance on Smartphones and it medical correlations. As a professor with decades in curriculum development, Anthony’s session delved into cultivating empathy in educational systems to drive social change. He contributed groundbreaking frameworks for integrating emotional intelligence into leadership training. His role as a panelist sparked candid dialogues on overcoming addiction in todays world. Prof. Anthony contributions highlighted the event’s commitment to holistic development, leaving participants with tools to foster equitable communities.

Lawrence Osarenkhoe, known professionally as MC Casino, infused the proceedings with creative energy as a speaker and panelist. A celebrated comedian and storyteller from Benin, Osarenkhoe’s role was to humanize complex themes through humor and Edo folklore. His contributions included facilitating audience engagement via improv segments that translated abstract concepts—like innovation—into relatable narratives. By weaving in local humor, he bridged generational divides, ensuring younger attendees felt seen and empowered. Osarenkhoe’s dynamic presence not only elevated the event’s value but also reinforced its message: leadership thrives when rooted in authenticity and joy.

Dr. Efosa Emmanuel Iyamu, affectionately called Sir Efex, a highly acclaimed Nigerian compere, public speaker, entertainer, and social entrepreneur, addressed the intersection of creativity and empathetic leadership. As an author and ambassador, he shared insights on how humor and creativity can drive positive change, inspire young leaders, and foster community engagement. Through his work with SERIOUSLY FUNNY, a comedy show empowering rising talents, and his philanthropic initiatives like THE EFOSA IYAMU INITIATIVE, he embodies the blend of entertainment and impactful leadership.

At the Catalyst Symposium Benin, Dr. Ikponmwosa Imade Aikpitanyi, a researcher and lecturer in Medical Physiology, took the stage to tackle a pressing issue with his talk, "Guarding the Gateway: Unmasking Liver Toxicity’s Grip on a Generation." Drawing from his expertise in toxicological physiology, highlighted by his impactful 2020 publication on the effects of dichlorvos and lead acetate on liver and reproductive health, Dr. Aikpitanyi shed light on the dangers of environmental toxins. With a passion for science and leadership, he engaged the audience in a discussion on how leaders and communities can prioritize liver health, mitigate risks, and promote preventive care, embodying the symposium’s focus on driving measurable health advocacy.

Professor Odigwe A. Nwaokocha, a historian and educator with over three decades of experience, closed the symposium with a thought-provoking keynote on "Navigating Identity: Overcoming Crisis and Rediscovering Self-Worth." Drawing from his deep research in Nigeria's nation-building challenges, inter-ethnic harmony, and conflict resolution, Nwaokocha explored how understanding history shapes collective identity and resilience. With his international exposure and commitment to unity, he offered insights on fostering a sense of purpose and worth in a rapidly changing world, encapsulating the event’s ethos of turning reflections into catalysts for growth. His engaging delivery sparked vibrant discussions, leaving attendees with pathways to apply these ideas in their communities.

The importance of The Catalyst Symposium Benin cannot be overstated in the context of Africa’s evolving leadership landscape. Amidst global uncertainties, the event served as a vital nexus for cross-generational knowledge exchange, equipping over 200 participants with actionable strategies to tackle unemployment, identity crisis and innovation deficits. By amplifying voices from academia, politics, tech, entertainment and culture, it reinforced Benin’s potential as a leadership beacon in Africa, aligning with broader goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond immediate inspiration, the symposium’s legacy lies in its ripple effects: forged networks promise sustained collaborations, while its emphasis on empathy-driven action counters divisive narratives, paving the way for a more cohesive, innovative continent. As the series expands to more cities, events like this affirm that true progress blooms from collective vision and unyielding resolve.