Youth Employ marks 10 years of impact with GYF Homecoming 2026

Youth Employ & Development Initiative celebrated a significant milestone with the successful hosting of the Global Youth Forum (GYF) Homecoming 2026 at the University of Abuja, marking ten years of transforming lives through youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and employability.

The landmark event attracted more than 1,200 participants, including students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners, business leaders, academics, and young professionals from across Nigeria for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

Held under the theme “Reconnecting, Reigniting and Redefining Impact,” the Homecoming commemorated a decade of Youth Employ’s unwavering commitment to advancing youth employability, entrepreneurship, leadership, and economic inclusion. More than a celebration of past achievements, the event served as a rallying point for a new generation of changemakers while strengthening partnerships that will shape the future of work, innovation, and enterprise across Africa.

Participants benefited from inspiring keynote addresses, high-impact panel discussions, fireside conversations, networking sessions, and practical entrepreneurship engagements focused on skills development, digital transformation, innovation, leadership, business growth, and emerging economic opportunities.

The sessions challenged young people to think beyond conventional career paths, embrace innovation, and position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive global economy.

The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), who commended Youth Employ for its decade-long contribution to youth development and reaffirmed the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing youth unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship, and driving sustainable economic growth.

GYF Homecoming 2026 was made possible through the generous support of an expanding network of partners and sponsors, including Pepsi, Unilever, Airtel Nigeria, ACE & GOLD Limited, Cynosure, Ivy Systems, Nate Genius, Ikwu World, Lumely, and the University of Abuja. Their continued commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and inclusive development played a vital role in delivering a memorable and impactful experience for participants.

Reflecting on the milestone, the Founder and Executive Director of Youth Employ & Development Initiative, Akin Akinbisola, expressed profound appreciation to the organization’s partners, volunteers, speakers, alumni, and participants whose dedication and support have shaped Youth Employ’s journey over the past decade.

He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to building a future where every young person has access to opportunities, practical skills, meaningful employment, entrepreneurial support, and the networks needed to thrive. He emphasized that while the organization proudly celebrates ten years of impact, the milestone represents the beginning of an even greater vision to deepen its reach, strengthen strategic partnerships, expand innovative programmes, and extend its impact across Nigeria and the African continent.

As Youth Employ enters its second decade, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to empower young people, drive innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and create sustainable pathways to employment and inclusive development, ensuring that more young Africans are equipped with the skills, opportunities, and confidence to lead, create value, and shape the future.