AIKRN Quarterly Webinar – December 2025, Indigenous Health and Wellbeing: Opportunities for Jobs and Entrepreneurship for African Youth.

The African Indigenous Knowledge Research Network (AIKRN) invites you to its Quarterly Webinar for December 2025, themed “Indigenous Health and Wellbeing: Opportunities for Jobs and Entrepreneurship for African Youth.” This engaging online event will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EST), 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (GMT), and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EAT) via Zoom. Participants from across Africa About the Program This webinar explores how Indigenous Health Knowledge can serve as a catalyst for youth innovation and entrepreneurship across the African continent. Participants will discover the real-world applications of traditional healing and wellness practices and how these can be integrated into modern systems to promote well-being, job creation, and sustainable community development. Through this discussion, AIKRN seeks to highlight the role of indigenous health systems not only as a cultural heritage but also as a viable economic and social resource. The session will bring together scholars, practitioners, and young innovators who are using indigenous approaches to create new models for healthcare, livelihood, and enterprise development. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences, gain insights from experts, and participate in a collective dialogue focused on shaping a healthier, more resilient Africa. Meet the Speakers The event will feature an inspiring panel of professionals and community practitioners who are leading voices in indigenous health, research, and innovation. Dr. Ayobade Adebowale, a Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, will share perspectives on the social and community impact of traditional health systems and their connection to youth empowerment. Ojiko Folorunsho Raphael, a Traditional Bone Setter based in the Oke-Ogun axis of Lagos State, will discuss the practical applications of indigenous healing techniques and how such knowledge can be preserved and commercialized responsibly. Dr. Betty Akwongo, Lecturer in the Department of Biology at Muni University, Uganda, will speak on the scientific foundations of indigenous health knowledge and its relevance to modern health education. Mpilo Shange, a Lecturer and PhD Candidate at the University of Zululand, will contribute insights on integrating indigenous wellness concepts into academic and community programs. Dr. O. Damola Adejumo-Ayibiowu, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of South Africa, will explore how indigenous wellbeing models can inspire research and entrepreneurial pathways for African youth. The session will be moderated by Professor Samuel Ojo Oloruntoba from the Institute of African Studies at Carleton University, a prominent researcher dedicated to promoting African knowledge systems within global academic discourse. Participation and Contact The webinar is open to educators, students, entrepreneurs, health practitioners, and anyone interested in the intersection between indigenous knowledge and sustainable development. For general inquiries, participants can reach out to the Institute of African Studies at africanstudies@cunet.carleton.ca.Specific questions may be directed to the moderator, Prof. Samuel Ojo Oloruntoba, via SamuelOjoOloruntoba@cunet.carleton.ca.  

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