NEWS
Over 100 Sewing Machines, Grinding Engines, Millions in Grants Distributed at 2026 i-HEAL Youth Forum in Abuja
…as First Ladies Of Abia, Edo, Kwara, Partner To Empower Participants
The Waterlight Save Initiative has empowered young Nigerians with more than 100 sewing machines, grinding engines and millions of naira in grants at the 2026 i-HEAL Global Youth Impact Forum held in Abuja.
The empowerment programme formed part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day celebration and was aimed at providing young people with practical tools, financial support and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
The forum, held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, attracted youth stakeholders, captains of industry, philanthropists, young leaders, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs and development partners from Nigeria and other parts of the world.
International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12, celebrates the contributions of young people to society while drawing attention to the challenges, responsibilities and opportunities facing the younger generation.
With the theme, Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future, the 2026 i-HEAL Global Youth Impact Forum placed emphasis on equipping young people with the resources, knowledge and opportunities required to contribute meaningfully to national development and address wider global challenges.
Participants at the forum were exposed to career development opportunities, innovation, entrepreneurship, mentorship and platforms to showcase their ideas and projects. Selected participants also received 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, Amb. Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, encouraged young Nigerians to remain focused, hardworking and determined in pursuing their ambitions.
She urged the youth to embrace education, innovation, entrepreneurship and active citizenship as tools for achieving their potential and contributing to the development of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, highlighted the critical role of young people in shaping the future of the country.
She described the forum as an important platform for empowering the younger generation and creating pathways for them to build a better future.
Mrs. Otti also commended the Waterlight Save Initiative for the intervention and reaffirmed her support for youth-focused programmes designed to promote development, innovation and self-reliance.
In his welcome address, the Convener and Chief Executive Officer of the Waterlight Save Initiative, Dr. Prince Ero Ibhafidon, said the i-HEAL Global Youth Impact Forum was created to empower young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to become active drivers of sustainable development.
According to him, the initiative focuses on advancing youth development through programmes centred on health, education and economic empowerment.
The forum is also aligned with the i-HEAL Blueprint, an initiative aimed at promoting creative youth development and encouraging young Africans to develop sustainable solutions to the continent’s social and economic challenges.
With the distribution of equipment and grants to beneficiaries, the 2026 edition of the forum moved beyond discussions and mentorship, placing practical empowerment at the centre of efforts to help young people turn their skills, ideas and ambitions
into productive ventures.