Global Speakers Summit 2025 Voices Without Borders | Impact Without Limits

Thursday, 28th August 2025 @7pm LIVE via Zoom. [FREE Event]

The Global Speakers Summit 2025 is a high-energy, virtual gathering of bold storytellers, emerging voices, and global thought leaders—each united by one mission: to speak with purpose, passion, and power.

 Broadcast live across continents, this electrifying summit features:

Powerful keynote moments from the first ever Purpose Driven Public Speaking graduates and special guest speakers.

Don’t miss this unique global event.

 Live Online –28th August @7pm

 Register now:

Guest Speakers for the Global Speakers Summit 2025

The Host: Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez is a multiple award-winning author, broadcaster, corporate MC, and global Ambassador for Peace, renowned for celebrating African and Caribbean success stories worldwide. As founder of AFRICA4U, organiser of landmark cultural events—including Black History Month at the UK Parliament—and mentor to countless rising leaders, he inspires, unites, and empowers communities across continents.

Urfana Ayub is an internationally recognised counsellor, author, and speaker whose journey through unimaginable loss has inspired thousands to find hope, healing, and “Sakoon” (peace). From bestselling books to powerful talks across the UK and abroad, she brings a heartfelt, transformative message that turns pain into purpose and grief into growth.

Lara Oyedele is a trailblazing housing champion and social justice advocate who has broken barriers, challenged inequality, and inspired change as the first Black female President of the Chartered Institute of Housing. With a powerful voice shaped by lived experience, she transforms every stage into a platform for truth, equity, and empowering communities to lead their own future.

Wayne Dawson— “Coach Wayne, VIP”—is a dynamic speaker and midlife men’s coach whose magnetic presence inspires bold transformation. From leading global teams to mentoring the next generation, he blends cultural pride, real-world wisdom, and heartfelt authenticity, leaving audiences not just motivated—but moved to action.

Lane Anthony is a visionary educator and school leader with over 40 years in UK education, celebrated for pioneering innovation and championing inclusion. Through his book Autism a Superpower – The Awakening, he shares his own late-discovered neurodivergent journey, offering a powerful, authentic call to embrace the strengths of neurodiversity.

Aro Leonard is Nigeria’s go-to media and communications strategist, renowned for shaping impactful narratives across governance, health, environment, and resilience. From leading £35M annual partnerships at BBC Media Action to founding Nigeria’s first healthy lifestyle station, he blends global expertise with local passion to inspire change, build capacity, and amplify voices across Africa.

David Smith, Chairman of the British African Business Alliance, is a visionary connector driving investment, partnerships, and job creation across Africa. With a career spanning global business, rail development, and fintech innovation, he blends 30 years of marketing expertise with a passion for building wealth, opportunity, and cross-cultural collaboration.

#speakerssummit #globalsummit #sohailahmed #laraoydelele #davidsmith #aroleonard #anthonylane #urfanaayub #coachwayne #publicspeaking #bradford #nigeria #usa

Here are the very best of Birthday moments 

The birth of new transitions, gently wrapped in foils of grace .

Wisdom feeding from the food of the present moment.

We are blessed, by the presence of your thoughts and prayers 

and the new stories that unfold from the dance of fertile foot prints 

We are blessed today to feel the sun

and all the rays from its pleasant music.

and as more blessings unfold, 

We celebrate you on this special day.

Happy birthday Mother 

Lots of love 

Tony 

MR DAVID SMITH  WILL BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT ON THE 28TH OF AUGUST 2025.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO GET YOUR FREE TICKET FOR OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS SUMMIT. DO NOY DELAY – LIMITED SPACES

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-speakers-summit-2025-tickets-1505783913219

INFORMATION ABOUT MR DAVID SMITH CAN BE FOUND BELOW

Speaker Profile –
David Smith is Chairman of the British African Business Alliance Ltd – a diaspora-led business network focused on bringing business professionals together to stimulate innovative investment, business partnerships, development projects to create jobs and widely-held wealth in Africa.

He is Chair at MPH Rail Development Ltd, a company developing rail opportunities in Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
David is Chief Executive of Rainbow Interchange Ltd, a technology company delivering a
cohesive solution in the banking, remittances and financial inclusion markets.
His career includes 30 years in advertising and marketing for a number of leading UK
agencies, where he specialised in retail marketing and worked with major UK companies.

He also gained wide experience in the IT, Financial Services, Electrical, Property and DIY
markets.
 
David has worked in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, USA, and Uruguay and relishes the cultural and commercial challenges of International Business.

Linked in Profile: linkedin.com/in/britishafrican
You may contact him at  david.smith@britishafrican.org

#britishafrican #globalsummit #davidsmith #publicspeaking

The Diaspora Investment Summit is a pivotal event designed to connect Cross River State’s indigenes living abroad with investment opportunities back home. This summit provides a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and resource mobilisation aimed at driving sustainable development in our state.

Why Attend the Diaspora Investment Summit?

The summit brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and members of the diaspora community. Here’s why you should consider attending:

1. Explore Investment Opportunities

• Discover various sectors in Cross River State that are ripe for investment, including agriculture, tourism, technology, and infrastructure.

2. Network with Key Stakeholders

• Connect with government officials, industry experts, and fellow diaspora members to build partnerships and collaborations that can lead to high impact projects.

3. Gain Insights on Market Trends

• Attend discussions and workshops led by industry leaders that cover current market trends, investment strategies, and success stories from the diaspora community.

4. Promote Economic Development

• Learn how your investment can contribute to the economic development of Cross River State, creating jobs and improving livelihoods for citizens.

5. Participate in Capacity Building

• Engage in workshops focused on entrepreneurship, investment strategies, and resource mobilisation to enhance your ability to contribute effectively.

Event Highlights

The Diaspora Investment Summit features a range of activities designed to maximise engagement and learning:

• Keynote Speeches: Hear from influential leaders and experts who will share their insights on investment in Cross River State.
• Panel Discussions: Participate in discussions focused on sector-specific opportunities and challenges.
• Networking Sessions: Meet potential partners and collaborators to explore joint ventures and investment opportunities.
• Workshops: Enhance your skills in areas such as investment analysis, project management, and fundraising.

Join Us

The Diaspora Investment Summit is an essential opportunity for Cross Riverians abroad to reconnect with their roots and explore ways to make a tangible impact in their home state. Whether you are an experienced investor or new to the idea of investing back home, this summit is designed for you.

For more information about the Diaspora Investment Summit and to register, please visit our website or contact us at.

Together, let’s build a prosperous future for Cross River State through active and engaged diaspora investment!

The annual summit shall be taking place from the 16th to the 18th of NOVEMBER 2025 IN LONDON

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE UPDATES

#investmentsummit #crossriverstate #calabar #investcrossriver #globalsummit

URFANA AYUB  WILL BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT ON THE 28TH OF AUGUST 2025.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO GET YOUR FREE TICKET FOR OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS SUMMIT. DO NOY DELAY – LIMITED SPACES

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-speakers-summit-2025-tickets-1505783913219

INFORMATION ABOUT URFANA AYUB CAN BE FOUND BELOW

Urfana Ayub is a qualified Social Worker & Counsellor. She is a Mother, an Author, Speaker, Teacher, Student, Trainer, and qualified Interpreter & Translator (Law/Health). She has a very special connection with Grief, Loss & Bereavement due to her personal loss and experiences. 

Urfana is a BACP Registered Counsellor and a Clinical Supervisor. She understands sometimes it can be hard to find the reasons behind the pain we feel and she believes “All we need is Sakoon”. Sometimes in our life we have to go through hardships, damage, loss, pain, tests, betrayal, misunderstanding, mistrust and search for the needed “Sakoon” (Peace).

She is originally from the city of Karachi from Pakistan. She is the mother of four children and lost her eldest son at the age of 18 years. After the death of her son she started writing which gave her a new recognition as an Author. She is the Author of “After You Were Gone”, “My Letters To You” and “Sentiments” all her three books are also available in Urdu with the titles of “Taray Janay Kay Baad”, “Maray Khat Taray Naam” and “Ahsaas”. Additional information is available from her website:

https://www.adamayub.co.uk

Urfana is a trainer for Approachable Parenting programmes; Train the trainers, Practice Educator for Social Work students. She has been part of many TV and Radio show interviews including Islam Channel UK and BBC Radio Leeds etc. She has been GUEST SPEAKER for many charitable organisations in UK and abroad and local community events including events and talks in Pakistan at Qasim Ali Shah Foundation.

More about Urfana Ayub: https://www.adamayub.co.uk

#bradford #publicspeaking #bradford2025 #counselllor

Citation for Gimalo-Angel Olowogoke, Nominee – Reporter of the Year Nigeria Broadcasting Awards 2025 – Bold. Visionary. Unrelenting.

Gimalo-Angel Olowogoke, Head of Production, Head of Environment Desk, LN247 and Producer/Presenter of SPACE.COM, has redefined environmental journalism in Nigeria with a powerful blend of storytelling, investigation, and visual clarity. 

Through her pioneering reporting across 2025, Gimalo has bridged the gap between complex environmental crises and public consciousness, educating, inspiring, and challenging both policy and perception.

In a year marked by environmental reckoning, Gimalo delivered deeply-researched, internationally relevant episodes and 3 sets of ECO NOTES totaling 52 original graphic explainer cards, fusing journalism with data visualization to amplify critical messages.

Key Episodes Highlighted:

• U.S. Wildfire: Impact on Communities – a sobering look at the human and ecological cost of wildfires in developed nations.

• Land Pollution – unpacked the root causes of pollution with preventive strategies tailored for Nigerian contexts.

• The Legacy of Gold Mining – exposed long-term environmental degradation in extractive regions.

• The Built Environment – 2025 Outlook – a two-part special forecasting infrastructure, sustainability, and urban resilience.

• Elon Musk’s Dubai Loop – introduced audiences to the future of transportation and its implications for African cities.

• Made-in-Nigeria Innovation Special – spotlighted sustainable, local design solutions redefining the Nigerian eco-space.

• Myanmar’s Earthquake – a globally connected human-interest report on natural disaster survival.

• Otedola Bridge Infernos – a bold local investigation into safety failures and recurring tragedies on Nigerian highways.

• Making Nigeria Clean Again – a rousing call-to-action and solutions-driven report on national waste management challenges.

• Future Of Real Estate In Africa: Technology And Digital Evolution

• Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road: The Landmark Beach Demolition Story 

• Makoko Demolition Story: Interaction with stakeholders and residents

Beyond her reporting, Gimalo-Angel was honored as Real Estate Reporter of the Year at the Africa Real Estate Summit & Awards, further affirming her versatility in combining environmental intelligence with infrastructural insight.

Her innovative EcoNotes visual explainers (52+ cards in 2025 alone) simplified climate literacy for mass audiences, making her one of the most trusted environmental voices on screen.

Why She Stands Out:

•  Investigative depth matched with on-the-ground reporting

•  Consistent, thought-provoking presentation style

•  Data-driven storytelling, including custom graphics

•  Commitment to solutions journalism in environmental reporting

•  Global-local perspective with Nigerian relevance

In every frame and every word, Gimalo-Angel Olowogoke shows that journalism is not just about reporting the world — it’s about reshaping it.

A NOTE OF APPRECIATION*

The Birmingham gathering was a resounding success. 

On behalf of Cross Riverians in the Diaspora (CRID) Organization, I wish to most sincerely appreciate all Cross Rivarians at home and in the Diaspora for gracing the occasion. 

We are particularly excited for having the personalities of ‘People First’ Governor of our dear State, His Excellency, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his dear wife, the First Lady of our State, Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Edet Otu (Mma Adiaha) grace the 1st CRID gathering with their presence. 

His Excellency came with members of his cabinet, the Chairman of Cross River Diaspora Commission and his team, Boki Local Government Chairman, elders of the State, and leaders of various persuasions to grace the occasion. 

We are also grateful to the Lord Mayor of Birmingham City, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, whose presence added value to our event.

We cannot forget the contributions of our key note speakers, delegates from Europe, Asia, USA, South America, and the entire world. We are, indeed, indebted. 

Let me most especially thank every member of the Central Planning Committee and the LOC who worked tireless at the background to ensure that every attendee had an eventful experience. May God bless you all. Worthy to note are Dr Justin Udie, Hon Ignatius Oli, Mr Augustin Obi, Mr Kelvin Osim, Mr Davies Davies, Prof Valentine Ntui, Dr Vincent Ogar, Ms Blessing Illifu. Not forgetting the regional coordinators and other leaders who rolled up their sleeves to support such as Mrs Thelma Ogbeche, Chief Jacob Orok, and a host of others whom I apologise if I have not mentioned their names. I will not forget to thank my brother Mr Idagu Odey for sponsoring the Convention Cake which turned out to be the high point of the event. May the good Lord bless you.

Let me also thank the members of the media team for their contributions.

We cannot thank you all enough for attending the event. The Lord will bountifully replenish the expenses you incurred to come and honour CRID and return you safely home.  

The gathering provided us a wonderful opportunity to interact, dine and wine while reflecting on our duty to our dear State – The duty to contribute through Home Remittances (Diaspora Investment Fund) to the development of our dear State. You showed practically during the call at the event for contributions to the development of our State that we can make it –Yes We Can! We are all proud “CRIDians.” 

We look forward to the same robust engagements in CRID’s future events.

The Birmingham gathering has come and gone but the journey to purposeful engagement with our roots; – Think Cross River – has just begun. The executive will meet and come out with a program of action for future engagements. We look forward to your usual cooperation and effective participation. The joining of our ‘People First’ Governor to build a new Cross River State of our dream is a task that must be done. You are all change champions of modern Cross River State.   

Finally, I wish you all the very best as you return to your base. Your contribution in cash and kind for the sake of our motherland will not be in vain. Our president and the entire executives of CRID remain accountable and transparent in our service to you all. We look forward to meeting you again in 2027!

Thank you so very much, and may the blessings of the Lord reside permanently in your domain.

Mrs Patience Oluwaseto Chairman, Convention Planning Committee/Vice President of CRID

#crossriverstate #crid #convention #nigeriansinthediaspora #southsouth

My name is Olusegun Michael Ogunjobi. I’m a native of Ayede Ekiti. I was born over fifty years ago and got married happily Phoebe Aanuoluwapo with four kids which included twins.

I completed my primary school education at St. James’cathedral primary school at Oke Bola in Ibadan. I gained admission and completed my secondary school education at The prestigious Ibadan Boy’s High school before I moved to Ilorin in Kwara state where I gained an admission to study Performing Arts and majored in drama.

After completing tertiary education in uniIlorin, I went to serve in lafia narawa as corp member in 1999 

I completed my youth Corp service in the early part of the year 2000 where put in for my second post graduate degrees in Theatre Arts where I specialized in directing. Before leaving school and service as a corp member, I won many awards among which are best in drama and dance with nasarawa troupe, commendation certificate by the nasarawa state government, best stand up comedian with the Nigerian breweries and ait and a federal government scholarship to study my second degree

My journey in radio Nigeria began in 2006 when I got employed as a senior producer on grade level 9 and ever since I got employed it has been a bumpy ride with some smooth sailing between Ibadan and Lagos. Bulk of what I encountered in broadcasting are theatrical so it made it easy for me to understand.

While working, I had the opportunity of being given a scholarship by Mr. Yemi Sonde the CEO of yes fm radio station to study basic production at the prestigious FRCN Training school now National Broadcasting Academy. 

I also got trained by the BBC Media action for three years and became their awardee after the training before being nominated for intermediate production at the NBA where I also got distinction.

Today, I’m an Assistant director programmes and currently an appointed General Manager of the first terrestrial radio station in Africa premier fm 93.5

My passion for spirituality and cultural revival is top notch. 

I enjoy light and warm meals than heavy and cold ones. My social life is moderate.

My interest is to work for the emancipation of human race from mental and spiritual slavery.

Curating with PanAfrican Cinema Archives

The June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive (JGPACA) and Cinema Africa! at Hyde Park Picture House are working together to deliver an eight-week traineeship with bursary opportunity in Pan-African Film and Archive Curation for three people between September and November 2025 in Leeds.

In conjunction with the Building a PanAfrican Screen Heritage programme, this collaborative training programme, developed by the June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive and Cinema Africa! at Hyde Park Picture House, offers participants a unique opportunity to explore film curation through the lens of a globally significant Black-led archive.

This is an opportunity to learn all about PanAfrican cinema, how to curate a film event and how to work with archives.

Created with the support of the BFI Screen Heritage Fund, awarding National Lottery funding.

Participants will:

• Deepen their understanding of film curation through structured training and archival exploration.
• Engage critically with materials from JGPACA, considering curatorial responsibility, diasporic memory, and the politics of representation.
• Respond to the learning from films, objects, themes, and ideas on the course and archive, by creating a reflective output (writing, video etc), and curate a film screening event.
• Join an online, peer-led curatorial conversation, positioning their reflections within a wider network of archival dialogue and collective learning with the JGPACA Lead Curators.
• Be encouraged to consider how their engagement with the materials and histories of PanAfrican cinema might be extended, as part of a long-term relationship with JGPACA, Cinema Africa, and/or curatorial practice.

Each trainee will be allocated a bursary of £784, inclusive of tax. There are no travel or other expenses included, but trainees will be provided with learning resources. Trainees can apply to the BFI Individual Skills Fund for travel and other expenses.

For full information about the training opportunity see here: https://hpph.co.uk/journal/curating-with-panafrican-cinema-archives

To apply, please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2BPvo4Imn6_rf8YMQtTaLlgxeyAulQUTKgGa-WqILXvROrA/viewform

If you have any questions, please email mosa@hpph.co.uk

Deadline to apply is Sunday 24 August 2025. 

#panafrican #leeds #leeds2023 #curating #archives

BRADFORD BASED LARA OYEDELE WILL BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT ON THE 28TH OF AUGUST 2025.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO GET YOUR FREE TICKET FOR OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS SUMMIT. DO NOY DELAY – LIMITED SPACES

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-speakers-summit-2025-tickets-1505783913219

INFORMATION ABOUT LARA OYEDELE CAN BE FOUND BELOW

Lara Oyedele – Housing Champion, Social Justice Advocate and Community Leader.

Lara Oyedele is a Londoner turned proud Bradford resident who has dedicated her life to tackling inequality, homelessness and the lack of diversity in leadership. She made history as the first Black female President of the Chartered Institute of Housing, using her platform to challenge the lack of diversity in the leadership housing associations and local authorities. 

She is Chair of Trustees at Hope Housing, a Bradford based homelessness charity. Lara is also a private landlord, providing affordable homes in the city as part of her long standing commitment to housing justice and community wellbeing.

As founder and CEO of Black on Board, she trains and mentors people from underrepresented backgrounds to take up leadership roles on boards across the UK. Her work is helping to shift the balance of power and ensure decisions are made by people who reflect the communities they serve.

A former journalist and lifelong campaigner, Lara brings clarity, courage and lived experience to every stage she stands on. Her voluntary work spans mentoring, grassroots action and national policy influence. She never misses an opportunity to speak truth to power. 

When not working or volunteering, Lara enjoys a strong cup of tea, great shoes and watching Eastenders.

Follow Lara Oyedele on LinkedIn for updates on leadership, housing and social change.