15/08/2026
ENUGU YOUTH CONFERENCE 2026 RECORDS OVER 3,000 PARTICIPANTS, EMPOWERS YOUNG PEOPLE WITH ₦2.5 MILLION IN BUSINESS PITCH PRIZES
The Enugu Youth Conference 2026, organised by the Office of the Governor, Youth and Student's Affairs to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day, has successfully concluded with over 3,000 young people and stakeholders participating in a landmark gathering focused on youth development, empowerment, enterprise and responsible participation in policy and society.
Held under the theme “Youth in Policy Making: A Vision of Shared Responsibility,” the conference provided a platform for young people to learn, connect, showcase their ideas and engage directly with leaders and professionals across different sectors.
One of the major highlights of the conference was the Business Pitch Competition, which provided young entrepreneurs with an opportunity to present their ideas before a panel of judges. The competition culminated in the presentation of cash prizes and support to outstanding participants.
The winner Ugochukwu Nwonye of Eco-Cycler received ₦1,000,000
while the first runner-up Edu-Care received ₦500,000
and the second runner-up Cyber Switch received ₦300,000. The remaining seven finalists were each presented with consolation prizes, ensuring that all finalists received meaningful support for their entrepreneurial aspirations.
The conference also featured vibrant cultural troupe performances, adding colour and depth to the celebration while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Enugu State and Nigeria.
The welcome address was delivered by Hon. Prisca Okeke, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Student’s Affairs and the conveiner of the Enugu Youth Conference 2026, A keynote address was delivered by .Chidieber Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, who also represented our dear Governor, His Excellency Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah offered thought-provoking perspectives on the theme of the year's International Youth Day celebration and the responsibility of young people to actively contribute to the development of their communities and society.
Other distinguished Speakers included the Federal Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Barr. Tochukwu Udeh (SAN) who was represented by Dr.Mrs. Ijeoma Eze and Prof. Egbo Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Finance Management, alongside notable panelists and youth development stakeholders, including Hon. Mbah Member Representing Nkanu East in Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Obiajulu Member representing Enugu South Rural in Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs Okebu Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Revenue Mobilization and Ephraim Okenwa (CEO)
The Business Pitch Competition was adjudicated by a distinguished panel comprising Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa (CEO), Okoh, Okeke, CEO of Autoease and Nwada Chinweuba, whose expertise and commitment contributed significantly to the credibility and success of the competition.
Several youth and student stakeholders attended the conference, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction, networking and knowledge exchange. Beyond the business pitch prizes, participants also benefited from various forms of empowerment, with some receiving ovens and other useful items to support their livelihoods and entrepreneurial pursuits.
The overwhelming response from participants demonstrated that the conference achieved its core objectives of educating, inspiring, connecting and empowering young people. The beneficiaries of the Business Pitch Competition expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity and the practical support provided to advance their ideas and businesses.
APPRECIATION
The organisers extend profound appreciation to Barr. Udeh, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Enugu State, whose mentorship, guidance and support can not be overstated, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Enugu State, Ministry of Water Resources Enugu State, Ministry for Energy Solid minerals and mining Enugu State, Enugu State Delivery team, The Potters wheel Foundation, Vatex Lab, the Planning Committee, led by Hon. Amaechi Ejike, Chairman, and Comr. Edeh (Ijele Ndi Igbo), Secretary, Comr.Vincent Chiedozie Okorie amongst many others for their exceptional commitment, sacrifices and tireless efforts towards the successful delivery of the conference. You guys are real Heroes!
Special recognition also goes to the volunteers, whose dedication and professionalism ensured that assigned responsibilities were effectively delivered throughout the event. Their contribution was invaluable to the success of the conference.
We equally express our sincere gratitude to Enugu State Chaired by Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh the Council Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, for their support and solidarity. Your partnership contributed meaningfully to the success of this celebration of young people.
Above all, I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Executive of Enugu State, for giving me the opportunity to serve and for his consistent support for the youth and student community.
His Excellency's commitment to youth development and his broader vision for the progress of Enugu State continue to inspire initiatives that place young people at the centre of the state's development agenda.
The successful conclusion of the Enugu Youth Conference 2026 is not merely an achievement to celebrate, but a renewed call to action. The ideas, talents and aspirations demonstrated by young people at the conference reaffirm that when given the right platforms, opportunities and support, young people can become powerful drivers of economic and social transformation.
The commitment remains to continue creating platforms that educate, empower and provide opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in the development of Enugu State and beyond.
