Young Minds Drive Conversation at Toyota Motor Show

Bennett Oghifo 

Toyota Nigeria Limited highlighted young talent on the second day of its Toyota Motor Show in Lagos, where students and young professionals took part in a debate and quiz competition aimed at fostering automotive innovation and sparking interest in technology‑driven mobility.

The youth‑focused programme, held on Wednesday at The Podium, Lekki, drew enthusiastic participants who demonstrated intelligence, creativity and analytical skills in contests that kept the audience engaged all day.

The event’s centerpiece was a heated debate between two teams of young participants, who impressed judges and spectators with their eloquence, confidence and ability to present compelling arguments.

After a closely contested match, Team A—consisting of Robinson Goodness, Esabu Blessing and Igbayisemore Tony—won, narrowly defeating Team B made up of Akinware Breakthrough, Yusuf Rahimat and Dawn Ijaware.

The winning team received a cash prize of N600,000, while the runners‑up were awarded N300,000.

The quiz competition also generated excitement, with six contestants battling through multiple rounds. Three were eliminated in the opening stages, leaving a final round that focused largely on Toyota vehicle models and automotive knowledge.

The audience watched in admiration as the finalists displayed remarkable speed, accuracy and composure while attempting to outsmart one another.

At the contest’s conclusion, Feyisetan Tolase Emmanuel emerged champion and received N250,000, while Ayorinde Bolarinwa secured second place and was awarded N150,000.

Kate Henshaw, an award‑winning actor and social advocate who chaired the panel of judges, praised the contestants for their impressive performances and commitment to learning.

She expressed delight at the confidence, intelligence and creativity shown by the young people, adding that the future remains bright when knowledge and innovation are encouraged.

Also on the panel was Henry Ojuoko, Toyota Nigeria Limited’s Head of Dealer Development and Special Duties, who said the programme reflected Toyota’s commitment to nurturing future innovators.

According to him, beyond selling vehicles, the company wants to inspire curiosity and encourage young Nigerians to explore opportunities in technology, mobility and innovation.

The organisers stated that the second day of the exhibition was deliberately dedicated to students and young professionals as part of efforts to raise awareness about automotive innovation and stimulate youth participation in discussions about the future of transportation.

The day’s activities also featured Somadina Anyama, popularly known as Soma—a TV personality, brand influencer and actor—who joined the panel and Toyota team in the interactive section.

The Toyota Motor Show, which began on June 2, is the third edition of the exhibition organised by Toyota Nigeria Limited. The four‑day event offers visitors opportunities to explore the company’s latest vehicle models, participate in interactive sessions, enjoy test drives and access free vehicle diagnostic services.

Visitors also experienced Toyota’s latest mobility solutions while test‑driving selected models including the Camry, RAV4 and Hilux, among others.

The exhibition will conclude on Saturday with another live recording of Toyota’s PodCARst, featuring social media influencer Ride With Mee, alongside entertainment activities, outdoor games, prizes and additional test‑drive sessions.

Toyota Nigeria said the event underscores its commitment to deepening engagement with customers and the wider public through education, innovation and direct interaction with the brand.