NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs, NEXUS Convene 2nd International Youth Day Summit in Abuja

‎NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs, NEXUS Summit: Stakeholders Call for Greater Investment in Nigerian Youths

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‎ Stakeholders at the Second Edition of the International Youth Day Summit 2026 in Abuja have called for increased investment in Nigerian youths, with emphasis on technology, entrepreneurship, access to finance, policy inclusion and sustainable development.

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‎The two-day summit, organised by NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs in partnership with NEXUS, is holding from August 26 to 27, 2026, under the theme: “From Cultural Roots to Green Shoots: Leveraging Technology, Heritage and Policy for Youth-Led Sustainable Development.”

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‎Declaring the summit open on behalf of the Chairman of the event, Mr. Godwin Etim, his representative, Mr. Tony Oladiran said the gathering provides an important platform for young Nigerians to connect, exchange ideas and explore opportunities capable of advancing their businesses and communities.

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‎He commended the organisers for focusing on youth entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and sustainable development, stressing that empowering young people requires collective efforts from government, the private sector, development partners and other stakeholders.

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‎In her opening address, the National Coordinator of NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs, Amb. Dr. Sameera Abdullahi Abubakar, said the summit was more than a celebration of young people, describing it as a platform for reflection, commitment and action.

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‎Abubakar said Nigerian youths should not be regarded merely as beneficiaries of development, but as partners and stakeholders in building the Nigerian economy.

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‎She noted that skills acquisition must be matched with access to finance, markets, mentorship, technology, internships and enterprise-development opportunities. She also called for greater preparation of young Nigerians for emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital technology, entrepreneurship and the green economy.

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‎Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, called for stronger policies and partnerships to unlock opportunities for young Nigerians.

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‎Gbadamosi highlighted the potential of technology, entrepreneurship and regional economic cooperation to drive youth-led development. She advocated greater participation of young Africans in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that cross-border trade and partnerships could open new markets for young entrepreneurs.

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‎She also urged stakeholders to involve young people in policy formulation and decision-making, stressing the importance of bringing youths to the table to contribute to solutions that affect their future.

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‎Also speaking at the summit, Oladiran Oluwatoni, MD/CEO of Oilden Energies Limited, emphasised the role of the private sector in supporting youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship.

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‎Oluwatoni encouraged young entrepreneurs to remain innovative, identify solutions to challenges in their communities and take advantage of opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and investment.

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‎He stressed that Nigeria’s large youthful population represents a major economic opportunity, adding that the right support systems can enable young people to build sustainable enterprises and contribute significantly to national development.

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‎The National President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, was represented at the summit by Chief Dapo Adelega, who delivered remarks on his behalf.

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‎Adelega reaffirmed NACCIMA’s commitment to youth entrepreneurship and private-sector development, encouraging young entrepreneurs to utilise business networks and platforms to establish partnerships, access markets and scale their enterprises.

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‎He said stronger collaboration between young entrepreneurs and established businesses would contribute to job creation, innovation and economic growth.

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‎The summit attracted young entrepreneurs, policymakers, business leaders, creatives, professionals and other stakeholders, who are exploring the intersection of technology, cultural heritage, entrepreneurship and policy in promoting youth-led sustainable development.

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‎The organisers said the summit is aimed at strengthening networking, knowledge-sharing and strategic partnerships while creating practical pathways for young Nigerians to turn their skills and ideas into sustainable businesses and solutions.

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