By Jumoke Olaitan
Stakeholders in education, business and development sectors have called for increased support for youth innovation and career development programmes to prepare young Nigerians for future opportunities.
They made the call on Wednesday during the Young CEO and Career Discovery Fair 2026, held at the Abuja Enterprise Agency in Abuja.
The event was organised by the Lola Cater Foundation as part of the nationwide DreamRise Fest 2026 initiative aimed at empowering children and youths through leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity.
The programme featured career discovery sessions, mentorship engagements, financial literacy workshops, business management training and innovation exhibitions.
Speaking on behalf of the Acting Managing Director of the Abuja Enterprise Agency, a representative of the agency said early exposure to entrepreneurship and innovation was vital for national development.
He said programmes that equip young people with practical skills and leadership experience would help prepare them for the future workforce.
A highlight of the event was the Kidpreneur Pitch Arena sponsored by the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), where teenagers presented business and social impact ideas before a panel of judges.
The competition awarded the top three participants cash prizes totalling N1 million, with the overall winner receiving N500,000, while the first and second runners-up got N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.
Representing ANAN, Mr Abdulfatai Abdulrauf served as mentor, judge and award presenter.
Stakeholders at the event emphasised the need to expose children and teenagers early to financial literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation.
The exhibition segment also drew attention, as participants showcased creative products and solutions.
Some of the innovations included sanitary pads made from banana stems, handcrafted northern kufi caps by a 16-year-old participant, and school bags produced from recycled waste materials by students of the Lola Cater Academy at the Karonmajigi IDP Camp.
Other exhibits included handmade beaded bags, fashion items and live henna artwork.
The Founder and Executive Director of the Lola Cater Foundation, Mrs Ololade Ogunnubi, said the initiative was designed to help young people discover their potential beyond classroom learning.
“We are raising problem-solvers, innovators and future leaders. The ideas showcased by these children prove that young Nigerians can create solutions when given the right support,” she said.
Some participants described the mentorship sessions as inspiring and educational, saying the programme boosted their confidence in turning ideas into future businesses.
NAN reports that DreamRise Fest 2026 is expected to directly engage more than 20,000 children and youths across Nigeria through school, community and digital activities. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
JUM/TAK
Edited by Tosin Kolade
