Wale Kuku, a visionary leader with a passion for National and regional development, made a significant impact at the 27th Harvard Business Conference 2025 in Boston themed ‘Beyond Borders’. His attendance and multiple meetings, networking on the sidelines with multinationals focused on accelerating Ijebuland and Ogun State, with a clear vision to transform the region into a modern, 21st-century compliant economy. Through strategic discussions and compelling insights, Kuku highlighted the immense potential of Ijebuland to the global community.
During the conference, Kuku engaged with global institutions, sharing the impressive strides his Foundation, New Generation, has made in the region. He elaborated on key initiatives that span across technology incubation, education, agriculture and more. These efforts, according to Kuku, are crucial in positioning Ijebuland as a global player.
A standout achievement he highlighted was the ModernFarmer program—an initiative focused on attracting youth into agriculture and also Didako Idan (Magic Farming) an innovative and game changing program for smallholder farmers.
The program aims to utilize Ijebuland’s fertile lands to produce, process and package organic agricultural goods for both domestic and international markets. Through the incubation and establishment of Agritech startups, New Generation is bridging traditional farming practices with modern technological advancements.
Beyond agriculture, Kuku highlighted the TechHandwork Initiative which has trained over 1000 youths in attaining Digital Skills, from Software development, to Business Analysis, Social media marketing and much more. The program aims to make Ijebu land the hub for Talent Exports.
Speaking on his participation at the conference, Kuku said, ‘the conference was a major opportunity to network, form partnerships and alliances with multinational institutions and individuals that are making great strides across industries. It’s fantastic work being put together by African students for Africa and I must commend the co-President of the African Business School, Mr Demilade Oresanya, a native of Ijebuland for a job well done. The continent has a bright future and we are determined to make Ijebu land and Ogun state by extension the most modernized and prosperous economy in Africa.”
Amongst the several Startup businesses being incubated in the New Generation Hub under the highly successful BusinessFirst program, the upcoming launch of NG Ride, a Ride hailing service founded by enterprising Ijebu youths, designed to improve mobility within Ogun State was discussed. By integrating bikes, cars and buses for intra and interstate transportation into the system, NG Ride is expected to cater to over six million commuters, easing transportation challenges and boosting local commerce.
Clean energy was another focal point of his presentation. Kuku passionately discussed plans to make Ijebuland a pioneer in clean energy development and adoption. He detailed initiatives aimed at providing 24-hour power supply using renewable energy sources—a move that promises to accelerate industrial growth and enhance residents’ quality of life.
The 27th Harvard Business Conference attracted a diverse range of influential Africans, including Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Former Vice President of Ghana; Farouk Gumel, Vice Chairman TGI Group; Ambassador Elsie Kanza, a seasoned diplomat; Joanna Maiden of Soko Kenya; and Eniafe Momodu and Lisa Folawiyo, both renowned figures in Africa’s fashion industry.
Also in attendance was Olumide Ashiru Balogun, a US-based entrepreneur and co-founder of HelpMeWaka.com, the acclaimed online errand services platform. His participation further underscored the conference’s emphasis on innovative solutions to societal challenges.
Also in attendance was Olumide Ashiru Balogun, an indigene of Ijebu – Ode in Ogun State who is also a US-based entrepreneur and founder of HelpMeWaka.com, the acclaimed online errand services platform. His participation further underscored the conference’s emphasis on innovative solutions to societal challenges.
Wale Kuku’s presence at the Harvard Business Conference 2025 not only spotlighted Ijebuland’s potential but also served as a rallying call for international stakeholders to partner in the region’s development. With strategic initiatives like Didako Idan, NG Ride, and clean energy projects, Ijebuland is poised to become a beacon of economic transformation in Nigeria and beyond.
