Young professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs gathered at the Young Professionals Boot Camp 2026 on June 26 for an inspiring day of conversations centered on creativity, youthfulness and the realities of building meaningful careers in today’s fast changing world.
The event featured insightful sessions from renowned creative industry leaders including Godwin Tom, Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing Nigeria and founder of CBA for Africa, as well as Qudus Onikeku, CEO and Center Director of J. Randle Center for Yoruba Culture and History and founder of The Q Dance Center.
Speaking on the topic, “The Business of Creativity,” Godwin Tom challenged creatives to rethink how they position themselves, communicate value and approach collaborations in the industry. For many attendees, the session became a moment of reflection and redirection.
Akinyemi Akinola, a creative director at Influence Studios, described one of his biggest takeaways as the importance of demonstrating your worth.According to him, “Your worth as a creative is not declared but demonstrated.” He admitted that in the past, he and his team often approached negotiations emotionally, believing they deserved certain fees without properly showing clients the value behind their work.
“That changed for me today,” he said. “I have learned that to get money from your skill, demonstrate your work. Show the value of your work. Let your competence be the proof that you deserve any amount you charge for your creativity.”
Tunmise Afape, a brand and digital designer who leads Kode Digital, said the session opened his eyes to the importance of contracts in creative business relationships.
“One interesting part I picked is the aspect of a contract when it comes to the business side of creativity,” he explained. “In the creative space, we sometimes fail to separate supporting one another from doing business together, and eventually it creates problems. We must be able to employ the contract side of business as regards our creativity.”
For Jawu Hunpe of Krekku Creative, an AI content creator and social media manager, the discussion reinforced the importance of understanding audience needs before positioning a brand or product.
He noted that creatives should focus on what their target audience wants, the environment they are in and their taste before determining the price range of a product.
Hunpe also advised against being distracted by unsolicited opinions from people who are unwilling to contribute meaningfully to a creative vision.
“Instead of getting distracted by unsolicited advisors on how you should position your brand, listen to your audience and give them what they want,” he said.
Another attendee, Oteikwu Emmanuel Adah, founder of Idomalion Creations, said the conversation on collaboration deeply resonated with him. According to him, “Collaboration is about the exchange of value, not begging from people.”
He explained that many creatives often confuse relationships with business arrangements, leading to disappointment when efforts are not reciprocated.
“It made more sense to me as he explained it further,” Adah said. “That is something that has happened to me several times. Helping people without getting anything in return is not collaboration. Don’t mix relationships with business.”
In another thought provoking session titled “The Temporary Wealth of Youth,” Qudus Onikeku encouraged young people to maximize the opportunities, freedom and energy that come with youthfulness.
Attendees described the session as unconventional, bold and deeply reassuring.
Arinola Akinlotan, a creative writer and screenwriter, said the discussion reminded her that youth is the ideal season to take risks and pursue passions before responsibilities become overwhelming.
“I learned that your youthful age is the time you can do certain things and take risks without responsibilities,” she said. “We should focus more on passion and value than money because when energy is poured into something, money flows in.”
For her, the message served as reassurance that the risks she is currently taking would eventually produce meaningful results in the future.
Researcher, author and educator Festus Ayobami Sangodeji interpreted the session as a call to “influence the world in an unconventional way.”
He explained that young creatives should not be afraid to pursue dreams that may not immediately receive public applause or recognition.
“I can have unconventional dreams and pursue them without the applause of people at the moment,” he stated. “I can bring out something tangible from what people do not pay attention to as a creative.”
Busayo Aladegbami, a physiotherapist and event host, also reflected on the temporary but powerful advantage that comes with being young.
According to her, “Youthful age, although temporary, is our leverage.”
She emphasized that youth is a season for exploration, experimentation and growth.
“There is so much we can unleash and become as long as we put our mindset to it,” she said. “Youthful age is the time when you get to explore, make mistakes and be forgiven easily.”
As the sessions came to a close, attendees left with renewed motivation, practical business insights and a stronger understanding of how creativity, discipline and courage can shape both personal purpose and professional success.
