The Yinka Ash Art, Research and Technology Programme (YAART), a leading philanthropic initiative driving creativity and entrepreneurship among African youth, held its fourth edition last week at Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, drawing over 600 students into a transformative experience focused on innovation and business.
Organized by YAART in partnership with Bowen University, the event featured a powerful keynote by Yinka Ash, Founder and CEO of Ashcorp, the parent company behind luxury fashion giants Ashluxe and Ashluxury. Sharing his journey of building a multi-million-dollar brand, Ash highlighted the importance of early differentiation for students, noting that less than 20% of graduates secure gainful employment within a year.
He offered six principles for standing out, urging students to document ideas, start small, and seek structure, mentorship, and opportunity, the very pillars of YAART. “Creativity alone is not enough,” he said. “Real success means creating systems for those coming behind you — that’s how you build a legacy.”
The event also included a panel discussion and a student pitch competition, awarding ₦1,000,000, ₦750,000, and ₦500,000 to the top three student-led ventures.
Since its founding in 2021, YAART has impacted students at institutions like Babcock University, Caleb University, and Pan-Atlantic University, serving as a springboard for young talent across Nigeria. With plans to expand across Africa and the UK, YAART remains a bold force for youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and creative leadership.
