By peter oluka
The Generation Next Youth Empowerment Summit (TGN-YES) 2017 theme focuses on “Think Innovation”, as the organizers say the platform seeks to identify the talent power-passion, inborn in the youth spread across the country.
With participants drawn mostly from the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), “Think Innovation” was carefully chosen to x-ray how young people can succeed against tough circumstances and igniting them towards crossing barriers, breaking new frontiers and daring to achieve outstanding heights in their various endeavours, personally and for nation’s development.
The generation next youth empowerment summit (TGN-YES) is an initiative of Elbativeni foundation, a social enterprise arm of Elbativeni Impressions and Consults.
Speaking on the choice of the theme, Founder, Elbativeni Foundation, Destiny Obiakoeze, identified youthful exorbitance and inactivity as some of the major problems plaguing the world today. “In Nigeria, an average youth only considers him/her self a liability to their parent / guardian and the society (Government) generally.
She said, although much has been said and done on youth development as regards innovation and creativity in entrepreneurship and Information and communication technology (ICT), however, TGN-YES was intended to build capacity for the youths in Nigeria and indeed Africa, who are living in a contemporary and challenging time, as integral to engendering their development and upward advancement, for a better Nigeria.
“Elbativeni Foundation and Elbativeni Impressions and Consults, see the need to play its part in harnessing and utilizing resources available to ensure that the gaps that exist in the lives of youths are bridged. The project is targeted at addressing their specific needs, and creating the desired impact of change, in the lives and endeavours of the target group (youth).
“The foundation over the years has been doing much as regards youths and how they can be instruments of change and drivers of development in their immediate communities and the country in general”.
Obiakoeze said that prominent personalities and seasoned entrepreneurs have agreed to speak that the Summit scheduled to hold on October 28, 2017 at the IBI center, Discovery Mall off, opposite Ecobank, off Ademola Adetokunbo, Wuse II – Abuja.
“The vision is specifically to Inform, reform, sensitize and empower the youths on basic philosophies of life that are crucial and strategic to achieving outstanding successes in their various endeavours in the Nigeria of today.
“The numbers of youths from the country’s population that are displaced, unemployed and sometimes dim-minded continue to grow exponentially, over the years. Meanwhile, just a little nudge or push with deliberations, advocacy and strong ideas for relevance and impact, can be the much needed antidote, to help set them on the right track, toward living a more productive and accomplishing life in the society.
“The TGN YES 2017with the theme ‘Think Innovation’ seeks to combine passion and business acumen to develop several solutions that are needed now especially at a time where the nation is considering diversification as an alternative to total dependency on Petroleum resources”.
Obiakoeze who doubles as Head, Strategy; Elbativeni Impressions and Consult, disclosed some of the opportunities at the summit as include: Ten (10) Start Up Business will win FREE Business Support services at the Summit during our on-site raffle; 20 Ladies will be selected from participants to attend free six months ICT training from February 2018 to July 2018 and soft loans available to participants and free Summit shirts to be won by raffle.
“More opportunities will continue to unveil and will each be revealed at the summit. For marketing support, branding and sponsorship opportunities: get involved- take advantage of our sponsorship opportunities and leverage on our laudable project, she said.
The TGNYES was first organized in 2010 in Kaduna State, with the Theme “Empowering your Uniqueness”. The event drew youths from different parts of Kaduna and was graced by sensational speakers including Dr. David Osei from Ghana.
“In May 2016, the second edition was convened at Abuja with the Theme “Limitless Possibilities” which was graced by notable young entrepreneurs from near and far.
“The Foundation is organizing the 2017 edition of the TGNYES which promises to be bigger and better,” Obiakoeze added.