The Drive Leadership Network, an organization whose mission is to empower and inspire young individuals to live out their potential, celebrated its fifth anniversary at the University of Ilorin main auditorium on the 8th of June 2023 by organizing a summit titled “The Game Changer: Disruptive moves for an emerging future”.
The Drive Leadership Network was founded by Maxwell David Taye in May 2018, and since its inception, they have been able to reach over 3,400 people globally by organizing events that bring a diverse range of great men and women from all walks of life to speak to young individuals.
The 2023 edition recorded the attendance of many notable individuals: the former sub-dean who acted as the spokesperson to the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu; the former Student Union President, Taofeek Omoluabi; the current President of the Student Union, Oluwatobiloba Faji; Israel Jesutofunmi, the Student Union President of Kwara State University; Mr Obasanjo Solomon Balogun, Chairman of Isin Local government; Engnr. Tunde.
In attendance as panellists were Temi Kolawole (MD Ilorin Innovation Hub), Felix Oladeji (Journalist), Olasimbo Yetunde Gold (Climate Change Advocate), and Princess Fasiiat Rafiu (Lecturer in KWASU). Others included Ishola Kayode (Founder, Digprom), Segun Adegoke (Founder BAAY Project), Mr Oladele Dada (Co-founder Awa-Cash), and Mr Shola Olagunju (CEO of Toyes Tech).
The guest speakers were Bayo Lawal (Co-Founder of Dukiya Investments), Lukman Shobowale (Co-founder of Dukiya Investments), Professor Wale Suleiman, CON (Neurosurgeon/Philanthropist) who was represented by his spokesperson Efuwaye Ayotolu. The mother of Maxwell David Taye was also in attendance. The auditorium was filled with students from the University of Ilorin and others from Kwara State environs, proof that a generation of game changers is rising in our nation.
It is now certain that to make a change in our world today, you must be a game changer. A person who is not subjected to the status quo and is ready to bring positive change to the world. Leadership can be expressed in every facet of life and is the proper representation of the field you belong to, driven by service and excellence.
During the early hours of the summit, Dr Alex Akanmu, the former sub-dean of student affairs at the University of Ilorin, gave a goodwill speech. He said, “If you want to be a game changer, you must have passion and drive. Wherever you find yourself, don’t just be a maintenance officer, be an improvement officer”. He also said, “For every dream you have, you must strive to achieve it, and I know for Maxwell, this is a goal”.
Sheriff Olarewaju presented a spoken word piece related to the theme, game changer. The Student Union President of the University of Ilorin, Faji Tobiloba, said in his opening remark, “Leadership is vague and obsolete if it lacks influence”.
Maxwell David Taye, the convener, gave a speech titled “Seed to Sequoia”. He talked about the need to be planted before you emerge. He mentioned some characteristics of the sequoia tree: it lives a long legacy, without fire, it cannot reproduce and strengthen through community. He further explained how these characteristics relate to human life and being a game changer. He listed some key strategies needed to be disruptive: honour, character, determination, vision, and God.
The keynote address by Prof. Wale Suleiman was read by his spokesperson Efunwaye Ayotolu. He emphasized that the youths need to explore their talents and take action to become future game changers.
Bayo Lawal, Co-founder of Dukiya Investments, one of the guests, said in his speech, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% of how you respond to it”. He mentioned that to be a game changer, one has to be disciplined and prepared.
Obasanjo Balogun, a lecturer from the Department of Criminology and Security Studies, University of Ilorin, gave the second goodwill message, congratulating Maxwell and wishing him greatness in life.
Mariam Shuaib headed the panellist session, and the other panellists were Temi Kolawole, Olasimbo Yetunde, Felix Oladeji, Segun Adegoke, and Princess Fasilat Rafiu.
Lukman Shobowale, Co-founder of Dukiya Investments and one of the guests in attendance, shared his story during his speech. He said that leadership is through service and the way up is down. He also said, “Your friends are an indication of your destination”. He stated that if you demand something out of life, you have to be prepared and deeply committed.
As the summit came to an end, several people were awarded. One of the awardees, Engr. Tunde, Chairman of Isin Local Government, said, “If you want to become a game changer, never be idle”. Other awardees included Sen Yahaya Oloriegbe, Rep Tunji Olawuyi Ajuloopin, Lukman Shobowale, Bayo Lawal, Prof Wahab Egbewole, SAN (Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin), Dr Alex Akanmu, Segun Dada (AwaCash), Segun Adegoke, Amb Seun Owoseni, among others.
The school anthem was sung to end the summit, after which souvenirs and gift items were given to various participants.
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