By Samuel precious
The Mind sift Conference (TMC 2026) empowered 10 entrepreneurs with a total of ₦2.8 million in growth capital and challenged participants to embrace personal responsibility as the driver of success. The conference, themed “Ownership Dominates Your Outcome,” brought together participants from different states and focused on discipline, mindset development, and productive performance.
Convener Mr. Isaac Ajisafe, in his welcome address, said the platform was created for genuine motivation, not hype. He told participants that ownership does not mean controlling everything but managing what falls within one’s influence. He urged them to take charge of their discipline, preparation, skills, decisions, and environment, stressing that outcomes are shaped by responsibility rather than mere intention.
Speaking with journalists after the program, Ajisafe said the initiative aims to shift people away from blaming the government, the system, or relatives for their challenges. He explained that the empowerment was designed to help business owners scale, not just survive. During the Entrepreneurial Growth Summit (EGS 2024), about 30 participants pitched their ideas, and organizers selected 10 beneficiaries after evaluating their strategies and clarity of purpose,He said.
Ajisafe clarified that his work is not an attempt to replicate the Tony Elumelu Foundation but to make impact at his own capacity. “I am simply doing my part to support business owners,” he said, noting that he admires the foundation’s large-scale efforts.
The event also featured award presentations to notable leaders, including Chief Babatola; Rev. Dr. Tunde Afe; Pastor Oluwabusiwa Fabulous; and Pastor Tunji Aribasoye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ekiti State, in recognition of their leadership contributions. And others Dignitaries Dr. Akinola, Professor Kunle Ojo, NYC members, and other guests attended the conference, while supporters presented gifts and one donor contributed ₦500,000 to the initiative.
Dr. Jadesola Taiwo (J.E.T.) Babatola urged participants to reject excuses and embrace competence, accountability, and continuous learning. he advised them to acquire practical and technical skills beyond academic degrees and to commit to self-development. Rev. Dr. Tunde Afe added that hard work alone does not guarantee success in the AI era, urging participants to work smart, build influence, and manage their energy effectively.
Pastor Oluwabusiwa Fabulous challenged young people, especially those between 18 and 30, to develop a growth and entrepreneurial mindset. He said the future is shaped by present responsibility and warned against entitlement and procrastination. Pastor Tunji Aribasoye reinforced the message, telling participants that they remain the common denominator in their experiences and must accept responsibility for their decisions and emotional maturity.
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Engr. Dr. Temitope Alake, emphasized discipline before destiny. He said individuals must align their values with their vision and act consistently, even when motivation is low. He described discipline as the foundation for lasting success and urged participants to take deliberate steps toward their goals.
Among the beneficiaries, Oluwayemi Janet Olanipekun of Yohan Treat and More said the ₦250,000 grant renewed her hope after business setbacks. Lawal Matoyemi of Shalom Three expressed gratitude for receiving support when he had nearly given up, while Collins Temitope Faramide said the program transformed his mindset about business growth. In his closing remarks, Ajisafe declared that the event fulfilled its purpose and reiterated that responsibility remains personal, urging participants to identify what they must own to achieve progress.
