At the 2026 TIME Conference and Awards hosted by 40under40 Nigeria, industry leaders and creatives gathered to share practical strategies on productivity, resilience, and business growth, with a strong emphasis on maximizing time and overcoming fear.
The event, held on April 25, brought together entrepreneurs, content creators, and professionals who delivered candid insights drawn from their personal journeys. Across panel sessions and keynote addresses, a recurring message emerged: success requires focus, consistency, and the courage to act despite uncertainty.
Media entrepreneur and TV host Chude Jideonwo advised young entrepreneurs struggling with slow growth not to abandon their paths prematurely. According to him, the first step is identifying a unique strength and committing to it over time.He stressed that many entrepreneurs fail because they constantly shift attention from one opportunity to another. “Most times, people get distracted. You’re doing a business, you see someone else doing it and you want to venture into it too. And each time you get distracted, you limit the ability for your efforts to compound,” he said.
Jideonwo encouraged participants to study successful figures who have built strong personal brands through consistency. Referencing music stars Burna Boy and Wizkid, he noted that their global recognition stems from sustained focus on their craft. He also cited industrialist Aliko Dangote as an example of dominance through specialization, adding that entrepreneurs must “spend time with what they are great at” until they stand out in their industries.
Addressing fears around diversification and public perception, comedian and business consultant Damilare Oluwasegun, popularly known as AsiriComedy, challenged entrepreneurs to confront the fear of criticism.“It’s about you being familiar with shame. It’s because you’re conscious of shame you’re limiting yourself. Because at the end of the day, either you make it or not, people will still talk,” he said. He explained that many individuals overestimate how much attention others pay to their actions. According to him, “80 or 90 per cent of the time, the people you think are watching are not.” He urged participants to act boldly, noting that progress often requires ignoring public opinion. “If you cannot defeat shame, you can’t enter the next level,” he added.
For content creator and cinematographer Taooma, sustaining creativity goes beyond strategy or routine. She attributed her longevity in the creative industry to faith, describing it as a key factor in navigating the uncertainties of the field.“The one and only answer to my creativity is God. Nobody has the recipe to creativity,” she said, reflecting on her 11-year journey. Taooma noted that while many creators understand the technical aspects of content production, success is not always guaranteed, reinforcing the need for resilience and belief. Speaking on time management, she emphasized urgency and the dangers of procrastination. Recalling her early days traveling between Malete and Ilorin to pursue comedy, she said passion drove her consistency even when the future was unclear. “If you don’t do it now, someone else will do it. Your comfort zone is the most dangerous place to stay,” she warned.
Also speaking at the event, Promise Ovai Kenneth-Odum, Chief Executive Officer of Rukkies House Group, encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace exploration and purpose-driven innovation. She challenged participants to reflect on their unique calling and the value they bring to society. “Exploration means moving out of your comfort zone. You can’t be scared of unfamiliar places. Before you start anything, look for a problem to solve. Value is what will make people come for you,” she said.Kenneth-Odum emphasized that fear, not time, is the biggest obstacle to success. She urged entrepreneurs to stop delaying action in pursuit of perfection, noting that meaningful impact comes from consistent effort and bold decision-making.
“You not using your gift is an insult to the one who has given you that gift,” she said, adding that true success is measured by lasting impact. “Impact is the true measure of success. Real impact is when your work continues to speak.” She concluded with a call to action for participants to embrace courage and take initiative. “Time is not what’s holding you back. Fear is. Time is not waiting for you to be perfect. Create hoping, explore fearlessly, impact intentionally.”
The conference reinforced the importance of clarity, discipline, and self-belief in entrepreneurship. Speakers collectively urged attendees to remain focused, overcome fear, and take advantage of time, describing it as a resource that rewards those willing to act decisively.
