FORTIFIED 2025: TECH Powered, FORTIFIED for Success Impact Report

FORTIFIED SUMMIT & 24-HOUR HACKATHON 2025

Hosted by MyDreamConnect Foundation
November 28–29, 2025 | University of Lagos (AIR Lab & The Design Studio)

A TRANSFORMATIONAL GATHERING OF INNOVATORS, EDUCATORS, LEADERS & CREATORS

The maiden edition of the FORTIFIED Summit & 24-Hour Hackathon has officially set a new benchmark for youth engagement, digital innovation, education reform, and national development in Nigeria. Over two powerful days, at the University of Lagos, the MyDreamConnect Foundation hosted coaches, judges, speakers, facilitators, exhibitors, volunteers, partners, and more than a hundred young innovators eager to build the future.

The Summit brought together Africa’s brightest minds to answer some of the continent’s most urgent questions about education, employability, digital transformation, and the future of work. It also showcased the courage, creativity, and resilience of young people who refuse to wait for the future – they are building it now.

Day 2 of the FORTIFIED Summit began with an energizing early-morning power session held virtually and streamed to the innovation lab was led by transformational leadership coach, Regina Huber, CEO of Transform Your Performance. Welcomed warmly by the MyDreamConnect team, Regina set the tone for the day by guiding participants into a reflective and inspiring conversation on self-leadership – the foundation for effective and sustainable leadership. Despite joining while traveling, she connected deeply with the audience, emphasizing enthusiasm, personal growth, and the importance of maintaining high energy and low stress as they continue their journey through the Summit. Her presence reinforced MyDreamConnect’s commitment to building thriving, confident leaders equipped for impact.

A Strategic Opening: Mr. Kenneth Igiri
Strategy Coach & Convener, Kabila Community

The Summit opened powerfully at 10am to the general room with an inspiring keynote from Mr. Kenneth Igiri, who challenged participants to think beyond limitations and embrace strategic leadership. He spoke on the mindset required to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world, calling on African youth to build competence, character, and courage as they prepare to lead the continent forward.

Second Keynote: Dr. Chika Yinka-Banjo
HOD, Computer Science, University of Lagos

Dr. Chika Yinka-Banjo delivered a deep, forward-looking keynote on the role of artificial intelligence, research, and innovation in shaping Africa’s future workforce. She highlighted the urgent need for universities to redesign learning experiences that equip students for emerging fields like robotics, AI ethics, computational science, and more.

Goodwill Message: Pastor Ituah Ighodalo
Father of the Day & Pioneer Chairman, MyDreamConnect Foundation

Pastor Ituah, delivered a heartfelt message that emphasized purpose, discipline, creativity, and national impact. He celebrated the vision of MyDreamConnect and called on young Africans to embrace responsibility, integrity, and service as the foundation for innovation and nation-building.

FIRESIDE CHATS & PANEL SESSIONS
The Summit also featured rich and engaging fireside conversations and panel discussions addressing:

• • The future of education in Africa

• • Preparing Africa’s youth for the jobs we haven’t named yet

• • The role of technology in social innovation

• • Building a workforce ready for AI, robotics, climate tech, digital health, and emerging industries

• • Strengthening university–industry collaboration

• • Supporting youth-led entrepreneurship and innovation

These sessions sparked dialogue, inspiration, and practical insights that participants can begin applying immediately.

A New Beginning For MyDreamConnect
The FORTIFIED Summit marked a significant milestone as MyDreamConnect transitioned into a registered Foundation under Incorporated Trusteeship. This historic moment was celebrated with the launch of two major platforms designed to accelerate youth empowerment across Africa:

1. The MyDreamConnect Talent Marketplace
A platform designed to showcase graduates of the MyDreamConnect Tech Bootcamp, highlight their portfolios, and connect them with jobs, mentors, internships, and opportunities worldwide.
Tagline: Connecting Talent With Opportunities

2. The MyDreamConnect Youth Entrepreneurship Trust Fund
A sustainable fund created to support the ideas emerging from the Hackathon as well as early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa. The Trust Fund will provide small grants, seed capital, and incubation opportunities for young innovators – starting in Nigeria.

24-Hour Hackathon: Innovation Without Limits
The 24-Hour Hackathon Challenge, which began at 12 noon on Friday, November 28, and ran through the night until Saturday, November 29, was the heartbeat of the Summit.

Twelve teams. Twenty-four hours. Zero sleep. Infinite creativity.

Led by experienced coaches and supported by industry mentors, participants engaged in ideation, prototyping, technical development, and business modeling before presenting to a panel of distinguished judges.

Coaches and Coordinators

• Mr. Ebenezer Abioye
• Mr. Olugbenga Etti-Williams
• Mr. Jephta Adegbola
• Miss Yetunde Macaulay
• Mr. Tomisin Olowoyo
• Miss Georgine Pudo
• Mr. Toby Harris
• Master Kenneth Silva (Coordinator)
• Master Azeez Adekunle (Coordinator)

Panel of Judges

• • Miss Adedayo Adewale – Head of Retail, Remita Payments

• • Mr. Toluwani Ogunbayode – Founder, Sunrise Business Partners

• • Mr. Samuel Omotosho – Change Manager, ADVANCE Lafayette MFB

After powerful pitches from all 12 teams, the top three solutions emerged:

1st Place – Team Techify [Davies David & Sofy Felix]
Solution: Retail Radar – An AI-powered platform providing market and location insights to help entrepreneurs choose profitable business locations with confidence.

1st Runner-Up – Team Turings [Solomon Daniel, Ugbedeojo Abba, Ayomide Ojutalayo]
Solution: A voice-first AI bookkeeping tool that allows business owners to record sales, expenses, and customer feedback using any local language – breaking literacy barriers.

2nd Runner-Up – Team SparkHub [Anuoluwapo Odebiyi, Oyindamola Olubiyi, Oniyide Esther]
Solution: An AI-powered accessibility app designed for blind, deaf, and physically disabled students – supporting learning, communication, and independence.

Energy, Excellence & Unforgettable Moments
From brainstorming marathons to midnight coaching sessions…
From coding sprints to sunrise rehearsals…
The Hackathon atmosphere was electric – proof that Africa’s greatest assets are its people, its talent, and its unstoppable youth.

 

Speakers, coaches, exhibitors, and volunteers all contributed to creating an unforgettable weekend of growth, learning, community, and inspiration.

Acknowledgement
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all speakers, facilitators, exhibitors, coaches, judges, and volunteers. We acknowledge our powerful coaches for their superb commitment; to our exceptional judges for being extraordinary, engaging, and encouraging; big hugs to our top coordinators, Kenneth Silva and Adekunle Azeez of the University of Lagos; special appreciation to UNILAG AIRLab and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chika Yinka-Banjo for making the collaboration possible, and to our beloved volunteers  –  thank you.  Your contributions shaped a transformative experience and strengthened the foundation of our work at MyDreamConnect.

 

FORTIFIED SUMMIT Report in Pictures & Videos by mydreamconnectlc@gmail.com

Conclusion: A Movement Has Begun
The FORTIFIED SUMMIT 2025 was more than an event – It was the beginning of a movement.

A movement of builders.
A movement of dreamers.
A movement of leaders who are ready to innovate, create, and redefine Africa’s future.

 

MyDreamConnect Foundation is just getting started.
And with the support of partners, educators, and youth across Africa,
the future looks beyond fortified –
It looks unstoppable.

 

The declaration/promise by the team to launch the MyDreamConnect CREED at the Summit.

THE CALLER:
We are Rooted in Purpose and Guided by God.

EVERYBODY:
We, the people of MyDreamConnect, stand together in faith and vision, acknowledging that every great work begins with a divine seed. Our purpose is not self-made but God-breathed — inspired to touch lives, build connections, and awaken dreams across generations.

THE CALLER:
We believe that every person carries a spark of potential waiting to bloom.

EVERYBODY:
We are called to be the bridge that connects hearts, nurtures hope, and empowers purpose. Through acts of service, mentorship, creativity, and compassion, we plant seeds of possibility that will grow into trees of lasting impact.

Like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, we choose to be deeply rooted in integrity, watered by love, strengthened by unity, and guided by wisdom. We commit to bear fruit in every season – fruit that uplifts, enlightens, and endures.

THE CALLER:
Today, we dedicate MyDreamConnect to the glory of God, the good of humanity, and the growth of dreams that bring light to our world.

EVERYBODY:
This is our Commitment.
This is our Calling.
This is MyDreamConnect.

THE MYDREAMCONNECT CREED

We are rooted in purpose and guided by God.
We believe every dream is a seed of possibility, planted with divine intent.
We exist to inspire dreams, connect hearts, and nurture hope through service and collaboration.
Like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, we grow to bear lasting fruit – in lives transformed, communities empowered, and futures renewed.

This is our calling.
This is our commitment.
This is MyDreamConnect.

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