By Nneka Udeh
I had a productive meeting with delegates from Genda Empowerment Foundation led by the Founder, David Nwokorie where we discussed their upcoming African Youth Conference (AYC), including the focus on SDG 9: fostering industrialisation, inclusivity, and innovation as solutions to unemployment, hunger, and illiteracy.
I was particularly impressed by their commitment to building upon the successes of the 2024 AYC, which included resolutions for dialogue, collaboration, and fostering innovation.
This year’s conference scheduled for June 2025 is in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Center, further strengthening its impact and reach.
I am passionate about youth empowerment and believe in creating opportunities for young people to thrive. This is why I spearheaded the launch of platforms like the AI Academy, Techadvantage Nigeria, the National Cleantech Innovation Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (CIEE) and the awarding of grants under the Presidential Standing Committee on Inventions and Innovations (PSCII), all aimed at equipping our youth with the skills and resources they need to succeed.
As a strong advocate for youth-centered development, I assured them of our full technical support as it aligns with our commitment to the #RenewedHopeAgenda in fostering initiatives that prioritize youth empowerment driven by science, technology and innovative contributions.
