Scores of young people, on April 5, 2025, gathered at the St. Patrick Hall at the St. John Bosco College of Education in Navrongo for the inaugural Future Forward Forum.
Organized by the Azubam Empowerment Foundation, the well-attended event aimed to equip the youth with the tools necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
The forum was themed: “Navigating Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Education, Finance and Technology in this Digital Age.”
The founder Elijah Azubam, in his welcome address, emphasized the need to empower the youth to drive transformation to enable individuals rise above limitations and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Empowerment is the key. It is the engine that drives transformation. Whether it’s through education, mentorship, skill development, or access to opportunities, empowerment enables individuals to rise above limitations and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Azubam further noted that the forum aimed to foster collaborations and actions around five pillars essential for future success: These pillars include entrepreneurship, leadership, education, finance, and technology.
Professor Samson Abagaale, Pro Vice Chancellor of C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, was the key speaker. In his address, Professor Abagaale advocated for a shift from theory-based learning to problem-solving models, leveraging technology to drive innovation.
“It is because of our systems of education that we cannot do a lot for ourselves as other countries are doing. This forum is challenging us to leverage on technology and be different,” Professor Abagaale stated.
Led by experienced facilitators, participants were taken through interactive sessions on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and educational strategies. The participants were also provided with a platform to build confidence, competence, and have a sense of community, as they grow in their personal and professional journeys.
Following a successful maiden edition, the Future Forward Forum has positioned itself to become a flagship empowerment event in the Upper East Region, providing opportunities for young people to develop the requisite skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the evolving digital world.
Mike 105.3 FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
