Empowering the Youth: A Movement for Growth and Opportunity
The Federal Government has made significant strides in engaging young people across Nigeria, providing them with local and global opportunities. Over the past two years, more than 12,000 youths have been involved in various initiatives, while over N13 million has been allocated as grants to more than 80 youth entrepreneurs.
This progress was highlighted by Hajia Hauwa Liman, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact, during the 7th edition of the Youth Opportunity Summit in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The summit, which took place under the theme “Leveraging Opportunities: Building A Future-Ready Youth,” aims to empower the younger generation and create a lasting impact on their lives.
Liman shared that since the launch of the summit in May 2024 at Bayero University, Kano, over 255 young volunteers have been mobilized. She emphasized that the summit, now held in six cities with Uyo being the seventh, is more than just an event—it is a movement designed to foster growth among the youth.
”When we launched this Summit in May 2024 at Bayero University, Kano, we had a vision. Not an event – a movement. Not just another conference, but a catalyst for growth among youths. Today, that vision has directly engaged over 12,000 young people across six cities with Uyo becoming the seventh.
”We have supported more than 80 entrepreneurs with over 13 million naira in grants. We have mobilized over 255 young volunteers – building not just capacity, but a culture of service among the youth,” she stated.
The summit serves as a platform for young people to access local and global opportunities. Some participants have used the event to gain national recognition, while others have expanded their businesses, showcasing the transformative power of such initiatives.
Dr Ekerete Ekanem, the Commissioner of Youth Development in Akwa Ibom State, encouraged youths to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the state government. He emphasized the importance of self-improvement and active participation in developmental programs.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Comfort Ekpo, the Chairman of the occasion and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, urged the youths to seize the opportunity to improve their lives. She highlighted the importance of using available resources to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
Prof Akpan Hogan Ekpo, a renowned economist and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, delivered a key note address that focused on the role of youth in national development. He stressed that young people should be viewed as strategic partners and change agents rather than passive recipients of aid. According to him, sustainable growth and development can only be achieved if the youth are actively involved in shaping the future of the nation.
Key Achievements of the Youth Opportunity Summit
- Engagement: Over 12,000 youths have been directly involved in the summit’s activities across six cities.
- Grants: More than 80 youth entrepreneurs have received over N13 million in financial support.
- Volunteers: Over 255 young volunteers have been mobilized, contributing to community service and skill development.
- Opportunities: The summit provides a platform for youths to access both local and global opportunities, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
The summit has become a vital initiative for empowering the youth and creating a positive impact on the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria. With continued efforts and support, the movement is expected to grow and inspire even more young people to contribute to the nation’s development.
