Children’s creativity takes centre-stage at LagosMums 6th annual parenting conference & exhibition

The LagosMums 6th Annual Parenting Conference and Exhibition held on October 12, 2019 at Harbor Point Victoria Island, Lagos and it was well attended. The Saturday event served as an extension of the online hub, providing a face-to-face forum for networking and discussions on parenting in the 21st Century. The theme this year was “​Creativity – The Currency Of The Future” and​ attendees included mums, dads, caregivers, sponsors and vendors. The format of the event included very interactive panels and fireside chat sessions on various topics.

All of the speakers, who are very passionate about children, families, creativity and the future, gave their views on different topics ranging from, “How our children can compete with Robots and Artificial Intelligence”; ” An Alternative Future;” “Instagram Education versus Real Life – The Real Life versus the Feed Life”; “What kills children’s creativity” and “Creativity as a tool when it comes to raising our children.”

The first panel included Ivie Temitayo-Ibitoye, a Human Resource Professional; Misan Rewane, Co-founder of Wave; Stephen Omojuyigbe, Talent Development expert and certified Life Coach and was moderated by Tonye Oji. The session was enlightening as the speakers talked about the changing workforce in the 21st century and how our children need to work alongside Robots and Artificial Intelligence.

The speakers for “An Alternative Future” session included Head of Brand and Reputation, Sub-saharan Africa at Google, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde; Head, Business Development of AXA Mansard, Naomi Aduku and Education Consultant, Uzoma Uduma as moderator. It was an amazing and eye-opening session as the speakers advised parents to engage children through communication and allow them to explore their natural creativity.

The fireside chat on “Instagram Education versus Real Life” was between Yetty Williams, CEO and Founder of LagosMums and Tracy Nwokoma – a student, writer and scientist. They focused on the reality of life for children and post-millennials, which can be altered by what they see on social media. The conversation on things that kill children’s creativity between Mr Taiwo Akinlami, child development expert and Mr. Labi Williams highlighted the huge role parents play, as parents’ mindset could be a culprit when it comes to their child’s creativity.

The final session delved into using creativity as a tool when it comes to raising our children. The panel included Kafayat Shafau popularly known as Kaffy; Elijah Alebo, Director at EIV Music, Sarah Boulous Chairperson, Society of the Performing Arts Nigeria and moderated by Tracy Nwokoma. The speakers shared their individual creative journeys and advised parents on how to nurture their children’s creativity. Overall, parents got to discuss the importance of raising children to thrive today and in the future.

Guests were entertained with a dance performance by The DreamCatchers, ​an Academy that uses dance, drama and music as a tool to help and encourage underprivileged and destitute children to stay in school while pursuing their dreams and passion. ​ The exhibition hall also offered attendees the opportunity to shop, sample products and get lots of free products. LagosMums appreciated sponsors this year at #LagosMums2019 which included Maggi, Google, AXA Mansard, Pears and Kellogg’s. Attendees also got to interact with a host of other vendors that were present.

The giveaway segment of the event saw mums win gifts from Huggies, LagosMums and AXA Mansard. Speakers got customised make up packs from House of Tara, Skincare products from Cookie Skin and lovely leather wallets courtesy Aaboux. Founder of LagosMums, Mrs Yetty Williams, thanked the Almighty, attendees, speakers, sponsors, her family and team members for the success of the event. She encouraged the mums and LagosDads to focus on going after dreams and to remember that we are all born creative. Media partners include The Guardian, Punch, Lost In Lagos, BellaNaija, OloriSuperGal and BenTV while Fotolighthouse sponsored the photography.