Abuja: 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.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, 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 emphasized that early exposure to entrepreneurship and innovation is vital for national development. He stated that programmes equipping young people with practical skills and leadership experience are crucial for preparing 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 stressed the importance of exposing 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 featured handmade beaded bags, fashion items, and live henna artwork.
The Founder and Executive Director of the Lola Cater Foundation, Mrs. Ololade Ogunnubi, stated that 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.