Youth Empowered Podcast

Plastic waste is no longer just an environmental problem — it’s becoming one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing opportunity spaces.In this episode of the Youth Empowered Podcast, recycling leaders Omoh Alakwe and Victor Okunola share how circular economy principles are turning discarded plastic into income, innovation, and community impact. From grassroots collection models to emerging recycling technologies, they reveal how sustainability can create real economic pathways for young people.You’ll learn practical entry points into the recycling value chain, the challenges entrepreneurs face, and why thinking differently about waste can unlock unexpected opportunities.If you’ve ever wondered whether sustainability can truly pay off — financially and socially — this conversation shows how plastic waste is becoming Nigeria’s new gold.

Starting a business is far from glamorous — especially in a challenging and unpredictable environment like ours.In this episode of the Youth Empowered Podcast, we sit down with Lara Rawa, Founder/CEO of Eventi Cocktails and creator of Lagos Cocktail Week, and Eka Obaigena, Founder/CEO of Toasties, as we unpack the realities behind launching, growing, and sustaining a business in Nigeria.Our guests share their firsthand experiences navigating the early days of entrepreneurship — from slow sales to capital hurdles, budgeting realities to hiring challenges — and the strategies that helped them maintain quality, build relationships, and reinvest for sustainable growth.

Adulting is real — bills, goals, and the pressure to “figure it out.” This Youth Empowered conversation breaks money down into simple steps you can actually use.Host Moses Dickson sits with Oluwatoyin Aralepo (finance leader & mentor) and Jennifer “Financial Jennifer” Awirigwe (Founder, FinTribe) to explore how to earn, manage, and multiply your money with confidence.Our guests share practical plays: start small and let compounding work, try a 50/30/20 budget you can keep, consider beginner options like money market mutual funds, FG Savings Bond, and quality stocks (know the risks), and learn how to monetise your knowledge without risking your 9–5. They also tackle boundaries and “black tax” — including the reminders: “Hope is not a strategy” and “Fix your mask first.”

Planning a career pivot takes clarity, courage, and a plan.In this episode of the Youth Empowered podcast, we host Similolu Adeyinka, Deputy General Manager, Corporate Services at FIRST E&P, and Misan Ilesanmi, Supply Chain Capability Development Manager at the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC). With host Moses Dickson, they explore how to recognise when change is due, line up the next role, and execute with intention.

Starting a business is no walk in the park, especially in an environment like ours. In this episode of the Youth Empowered podcast, we hosted Ferdy Adimefe, Founder/CEO of Magic Carpet Studios, and Abayomi Ogunjobi, Director/Co-founder of PennyTree, as we tackled the exciting yet daunting journey of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.Our guests shared their experiences on the ups and downs of running a small business, the opportunities that come with bold ideas, and the strategies that help entrepreneurs stay resilient while navigating challenges.

How important are personal brands? Some people swear by them, others are indifferent. In this episode of the Youth Empowered podcast, we hosted Kennedy Ekezie and Olajumoke Akindolire as we delve into the intricacies of personal branding, exploring how to authentically represent oneself while standing out in a crowded business world.

Part 2 of Landing Your Dream Job is here! In this episode, our guests share more insights on how to tackle the challenges of the job market, with actionable advice on skill-building, networking, and creating a unique professional profile.Like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with the Youth Empowered podcast!

Part 1 of our Youth Empowered podcast, Landing Your Dream Job, is out now! Join our esteemed guests, Juliana Esezobor (People and Culture Director, NBC), Similolu Adeyinka (HR Consultant and Deputy GM, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum), and Idris Adetola (Packaging Recovery Lead, NBC), as they delve into what it takes to build the competencies and skills that will make you stand out in today's job market.Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive even deeper into practical strategies for navigating and seizing opportunities in the competitive corporate landscape.