Macron at TEF.
5:30am. Lagos Nigeria.
Touchdown Eko Hotel.
Security is building up. Several police cars are arriving nearly at the same time. I know traffic and security is going to be mad today, that’s one of the reasons why I came early before they started all their drama. There are nearly 20 registration points; all digital. Nobody is writing anything. I have been styled by The Hopper for today. #Under30CEO something.
TEF has experience with these sort of things so I am not too worried about them falling my hand. Your pass is not transferable and covers only you. The only way anybody else is getting in with the same pass is if one of them is pregnant with the other. I am tempted to go home and watch it online but I am here already and dressed sha. Oh, incase you didnt know, TEF = Tony Elumelu Foundation. I am class of 2016.
I dont have any deep life-changing and intelligence-reflecting questions to ask Mr. Macron yet. I cannot ask just any question and disgrace my unborn children. 😂. I get angry when people get the chance to ask questions at such events and then squander it on something frivolous. So, I am just here thinking of why I have not hammered enough to get VIP ticket when it was announced that our hall is just for breakfast and small chops. They are moving us to the main hall soon! Yassssss! Lots of fine boys and fine babes here though, everybody is looking lit, exchanging business cards, discussing gists, You know how we CEOs roll. 😂
Networking tip: Get the other person to talk about themselves but feel free to throw in one or two milestones you have crossed no matter how small.
And for the love of God, dont say; “..I am into….”. Just dont abeg.
My mum is so excited as if I am meeting the French president personally and calling for updates. Me that doesn't even know If I will even behold his face in real life yet. If only she knew there are several thousand other people here as well. She has been harassing me why I am not wearing a suit. Me that sold my suit and has been addicted to hoodie life since 2010. Haven’t worn a suit ever since. And we are off! The CEO of TEF is addressing the audience. The objectives of TEF are;
1. Institutionalize luck
2. Democratize philosophy
3. Engender Entrepreneurship.
Also, to change the narrative of Africa globally. The TEF is doing this by funding 1000 entrepreneurs across the 54 countries in Africa. I still don’t have any Questions for President Marcon. Here are some TEF stats;
- Spent $5m to build platform and tech driving it.
- The TEF Forum is the single largest gathering of African entrepreneurs ever! Every African country is represented.
- Over 500 mentors on the TEF platform.
- Over 4000 entrepreneurs funded since 2015. 36% of that are ladies.
The video documentary being played is class of 2016. I am so damm proud watching it again and reliving the memory. So the French community in Nigeria just arrived.
“Nations that have economic and business ties rarely go to war with each other”- Tony Elumelu; 2016.
Small info: Did you know that Cocacola started in Nigeria in 1953 and are the highest employer of women in Nigeria? Think about it, who sells/ distributes coke the most? And His Excellency; President Emmanuel Macron just walked in!
President Macron’s convictions:
1. Africa is young. 60% of the population is under 35. Lagos state alone is the 5th largest economy in Africa.
2. Nobody decides your future. You decide, you choose. Africa decides for Africa.
3. If Africa doesn't succeed, France and Europe cannot succeed.
Other statements/ Quotes by H.E President Macron;
When smart people are in charge, they innovate- Emmanuel Macron. “There is no gap for innovation except the one that exists in your mind.
“If you believe in your innovation/project, just do it. Never listen to those who say “Wait, not now, et al”
“A lot of things are tied to acceleration and connections. It is only you who knows what can work best for you”.
“Access to private sector and funding, Jobs, et al is critical. We can investing €500Bn in the Africa private sector to leverage and accelerate the African private sector.”
Its time for QnA and I still dont have a Question for Mr Macron! 😭😭😭
Why is asking a Question important? its because when you ask Questions at such events you have to introduce yourself and your business. Free publicity!!
Other statements/ Quotes by H.E President Macron;
- There is no model to succeed.
2. Dont stop at the first failure.
3. Your success is not for only you. Have a vision.
“Migration is not a crisis and not new. It has existed for decades
African Leaders needs to fight demography, provide education and access to opportunities for all. Fight against fake news and bad African narrative.” — Emmanuel Macron.
“If you lack access to markets, thats the fault of your politicians. I’m sorry”
“Your first market is your domestic market. Regulations and monopoly do not serve the market well.”
Regional integration is a critical and I am strong believer in ECOWAS where Nigeria should play a major role. We have to change the rules of engagement” — Emmanuel Macron.
By the way, the youngest commissioner in Nigeria is in Anambra state. He is not yet 30. He is Mark Okoye.
“Your nationality is not a function of your ability to succeed. It is true that when you start a business in Nigeria it is more difficult than anywhere else but if you dare succeed, you will such a role model that other global leaders will want to listen to you”.
P.S: Jim Ovia; Debola Williams, Omotola, Donald Duke, Ebuka and other VIPs are here.
