A group, Waterlight Save Initiative, has hosted the 2026 i-HEAL Global Youth Impact Forum in Abuja to mark the International Youth Day, with over 100 sewing machines, grinding engines and millions of naira in grants distributed to selected participants.
The event, held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, brought together youth stakeholders, captains of industry, philanthropists, young leaders, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and development partners from Nigeria and around the world.
International Youth Day, observed annually on 12th August, recognises the contributions of young people to society while highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation.
Held under the theme, “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future,” the i-HEAL Global Youth Impact Forum focused on equipping young people with the resources, knowledge and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
The forum provided participants with exposure to career, innovation, and entrepreneurship opportunities; mentorship; visibility for their ideas and projects; access to non-refundable grants; and startup equipment to support their businesses and chosen areas of endeavour.
The Special Guest of Honour and First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency, Amb. Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the forum to advance their careers and pursue their aspirations.
“I encourage our youth to remain focused and hardworking. Use education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and active citizenship to pursue your dreams, fulfil your potential, and help build a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,” she said.
Also speaking, the First Lady of Abia State, Her Excellency, Mrs Priscilla Otti, stressed the important role of young people in the nation’s development.
She described the forum as another opportunity for young people to build a better future, commended the organisers for their intervention, and expressed her commitment to supporting youth-focused initiatives such as the i-HEAL Global Youth Impact Forum.
In his welcome address, the Convener and Chief Executive Officer of Waterlight Save Initiative, Dr Prince Ero Ibhafidon, said the forum was designed to empower young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to drive sustainable development through initiatives centred on health, education and economic empowerment.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the #iHEALBlueprint, which seeks to promote creative youth development and encourage sustainable solutions to Africa’s development challenges.
The event featured panel discussions on youth development initiatives and advocacy, a business pitching competition, goodwill messages and the presentation of empowerment items, including sewing machines, grinding engines and grants to support startups and existing businesses seeking to scale.
Among the notable personalities who attended the forum were former House of Representatives member, Shina Peller; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Benue State, Mrs Scholastica Ben Sor; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State; and media personality Morayo Brown, among others.
The organisers said the empowerment programme was part of broader efforts to equip young people with practical resources and opportunities to become self-reliant and contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria and across Africa.
