The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has pledged to collaborate with the ASOR Culture International Initiative to promote youth development and leadership as the institution hosted the fifth edition of TRANSFORMATION 5.0, a youth empowerment conference themed “MOVE – The Future Awaits the Movers.”
Ahead of the conference, the convener, Mrs. Temitope Momoh, led members of the organising team on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, where she outlined the vision behind the annual conference and sought the University’s continued partnership.
Mrs. Momoh explained that TRANSFORMATION was established to inspire, mentor and equip young people to discover their purpose, develop the right values, acquire relevant skills and become responsible leaders capable of transforming society.
She said the 2026 theme, “MOVE – The Future Awaits the Movers,” is a call for young people to rise above fear, excuses, procrastination and self-doubt by embracing opportunities, pursuing excellence and translating their potential into meaningful action.
According to her, FUTA was deliberately selected as the host institution because of its reputation for academic excellence, innovation and producing graduates equipped to solve societal challenges. She also described the collaboration with the University’s Department of Quantity Surveying as significant, noting that it reflects a shared commitment to leadership, mentorship, character development and community impact.
Mrs. Momoh added that bringing the conference to FUTA was also a way of appreciating the University and its host community for providing a peaceful and enabling environment that supports learning, innovation and development.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, commended the initiative and pledged the University’s readiness to collaborate with the organisation in advancing youth development programmes.
She called on well-meaning and public-spirited Nigerians, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support initiatives such as TRANSFORMATION, describing them as strategic interventions for addressing societal vices and securing a better future for Nigerian youths.
Professor Oladiji noted that empowering young people with the right values, mentorship and leadership skills remains one of the most effective ways of building a responsible and productive society.
At the conference held at the T.I. Francis Auditorium, Mrs. Momoh, in her opening address, challenged participants to become intentional about their future, stressing that “the future awaits the movers.”
Drawing from her personal journey of overcoming rejection and humble beginnings, she encouraged young people not to allow their background to determine their destiny.
“Your background is only your starting point; it is never your destination,” she said, urging participants to embrace courage, purpose and action.
She identified seven reasons every young person must move, including the reality that time waits for no one, potential without action is wasted, opportunities follow preparation, leadership demands responsibility, and the future is determined by today’s decisions.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Deji Oke of FUTA reinforced the conference theme, urging participants to position themselves for the future through innovation, resilience and decisive action, stressing that the future belongs to those who are prepared to move.
Also speaking, Rev. Dotun Adejumo challenged students to shift their focus from what has been to what can be, encouraging them to embrace possibilities rather than limitations. He urged them to develop the right mindset, remain resilient and pursue purposeful living despite prevailing challenges.
Other speakers at the conference also charged participants to cultivate leadership qualities, pursue excellence and become solution providers who will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
The event attracted students, academics, professionals, youth leaders and development partners from across the country, providing participants with mentorship, practical insights and inspiration for purposeful living and national transformation.
