The importance of mentoring in virtually every facet of human endeavour cannot be overstated. Mentoring is crucial for personal and professional growth, offering guidance, support, and knowledge transfer from experienced individuals to those seeking development. One of the key privileges some people who have climbed the ladder of success today have over others was the availability of mentors who held their hands and walked all the way during their formative years. This is because mentoring helps mentees clarify goals, build confidence, and acquire new skills, while also providing mentors with opportunities for re-energizing their passion and gaining new perspectives.
These were the major focus of discussions during the Global MentorBridge (GMB) Summit & Gala 2025 which concluded this weekend in Lagos, marking a powerful milestone in the growing movement for mentorship and sustainable leadership across Africa and her diaspora.
Held from the July 31st to August 2nd 2025, this year’s events brought together over 100 participants from across sectors, age groups, and geographies, ranging from corporate leaders and founders to creatives, civil society actors, and emerging professionals. It also highlights the fact that mentoring fosters a culture of continuous learning and support within organizations.
Now in its 4th edition, this year’s event with the theme “Ahead of the Curve: Driving Innovation, Growth, and Industry Impact,” championed mentorship as a powerful tool to unlock insight, challenge assumptions, and build resilient, future-ready individuals and institutions. The Summit held on July 31st featured engaging conversations with high-impact speakers from several industries and include Akin Morakinyo (CEO, CIBN), Doyinsola Ola (MD, Cordros Wealth), David Lanre Messan (Founder, First Founders), Ifeoma Malo (CEO, Clean Tech Hub), Jideani Chukwuemeka Agbaidu (DG, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Muktar Mohammed (CEO, Asher Investment Ltd), BabaTunde Akin-Moses (CEO, Sycamore NG), Amanda Etuk (Program Director, Cascador Nigeria), Akorvueze Nwakanma (CEO, Velox Holdings), Olagoke Balogun (CEO, SoFresh), Adeola Azeez (Founder, WIMBIZ; Partner & West African Representative, Sigma Risk), Victor Adebayo (Founder, Diversity Talent Management Ltd), Kelechi Deca (Communication Development Expert/Editor-in-Chief at the African Economy Magazine), and Chinenema Umeseaka (Travel Journalist; Founder, 9ineteen Works).
These speakers shared personal stories, sector trends, and thought-provoking insights on growth, leadership, staying relevant, building across generations, and embedding innovation through mentorship and reverse mentoring.
The Summit culminated in the Gala, held on August 2nd at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Lagos, a vibrant, elegant evening filled with conversation, music, and celebration. The event featured the debut of the Global MentorBridge Recognition Awards, honouring exceptional individuals who have consistently poured into others over the years.
This year’s honourees included Babatunde Akin-Moses (CEO, Sycamore NG), Debola Deji-Kurunmi (Founder, Immerse Coaching Co), Pst Bidemi Mark-Mordi (CEO, Verbatim Communications) Abimbola Adebakin (Advantage Health Africa), Modupe Ehirim (The Right Fit Marriage Academy), Sycamore NG, Cascador, and the Mentors Tower. Each honouree exemplifies the spirit of intentional mentorship, cross-sector leadership, and sustainable impact.
This year’s Global MentorBridge Summit & Gala was made possible through the generous support and partnership of Velox Holdings, Regis Ohia Foundation, Printhouse NG, Seun Williams Creative Studios, Clarylife Global, RaveTV, LN247, Adunni Organics amongst others. These organisations exemplify a shared commitment to leadership development, mentorship, and intergenerational equity.
This isn’t just about events; it’s about building a culture. One where people don’t just succeed individually but rise by lifting others.
Global MentorBridge continues to expand its reach, platforms, and offerings. Beyond the Summit, Global MentorBridge will host post-event conversations, mentorship spotlights, and community-led dialogues throughout the rest of 2025.
Speaking on the success of the event, the Convener of the Global MentorBridge Summit and Gala Jane Oma said that “This isn’t just about events; it’s about building a culture. One where people don’t just succeed individually but rise by lifting others.” She equally highlighted how and why mentoring can re-ignite mentors’ passion for their field by sharing their knowledge and experience as it helps everyone gain new insights into their field and stay updated on current trends by interacting with mentees. Mentoring she added, “allows mentors to contribute to the growth and development of the next generation of professionals”.
