KO Baba’s Youth Convention Equips Thousands with Skills for Economic Growth and Self Reliance

A comedian and social impact advocate; Benjamin Johnson popularly known as KO Baba and Mayor of Pitakwa has restated his commitment to using the K.O Youth Convention as a platform to tackle youth restiveness by promoting entrepreneurship, leadership, and economic self-reliance among young people.

Speaking at the third edition of the convention in Port Harcourt, in August 2025 KO Baba said the vision behind the initiative was to redirect the energy of young people towards building careers, businesses, and self-leadership.

“As much as we expect government to curb restiveness, we must play our part, that is why I started the Youth Convention to teach young people about life, career, business, and leadership. When you do that, you curb restiveness and bring peace to our communities.”

This year’s convention attracted over 2,000 participants across four days, with the opening session dedicated exclusively to women.

 About 250 young women benefited from entrepreneurship and leadership sessions, while subsequent days featured masterclasses for more than 2,500 participants, and a selective training for 200 youths committed to scaling their businesses.

The programme also featured grants, apprenticeship opportunities, and business pitching sessions, with young people like 21-year-old Precious Ekpo leaving inspired.

“I pitched my startup on stage and learned that no platform is too small to market my business”.

“From now, I’ll use Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, every platform to reach customers.”

Experts from diverse industries shared insights on capacity building.

CEO of Hamress Group, Harry Amadi emphasised the need for structure and systems in business.

“Everybody is a starter, but not everyone is a finisher, what makes the difference is structure delegating, documenting, and building systems that keep businesses running even after the initial excitement fades.”

Founder of the Women in Port Harcourt Business Community, Wendy Amadi urged young people to embrace leadership early.

“Leadership doesn’t start in a day. Even politicians you see today started as student leaders. Start wherever you are and take every opportunity seriously.”

Business consultant Harry Porbeni guided participants on personal finance and funding, cautioning against mismanaging resources.

“The right time to apply for funding is not when you want to start a business but when you want to scale. If you cannot manage your own money, you cannot manage someone else’s.”

 Principal of Myros Empire, Olumati Isaiah innovation and courage are critical.

“The world is evolving fast. You must learn quickly, dare to stand out, and innovate around the old towards the new so people can embrace your ideas.”

Participants like cybersecurity expert Uche Finebone testified to the impact.

“I learned that courage and continuous learning are key, leadership is not just about knowing the job, but knowing how to lead.”

Through the convention, KO Baba insists the goal remains the same: raising a generation of young people equipped with skills, knowledge, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the economy and society.