The Waterlight Save Initiative has hosted the 2026 i-HEAL Global Youth Impact Forum in Abuja, distributing over 100 sewing machines, grinding engines and millions of naira in grants to selected participants.
The event, held at the NAF Conference Centre as part of International Youth Day commemorations, brought together youth stakeholders, industry captains, philanthropists, young leaders, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs and development partners from Nigeria and beyond.
International Youth Day, observed annually on 12 August, recognises young people’s contributions to society while highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation.
Under the theme, “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future,” the forum focused on equipping young people with the resources, knowledge and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national and global development. Participants gained exposure to career, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities, mentorship, visibility for their projects, access to non-refundable grants, and startup equipment to support their ventures.
First Ladies Urge Youth to Seize Opportunities
The Special Guest of Honour and First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency Amb. Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, encouraged young Nigerians to leverage the forum’s opportunities to advance their careers.
“I encourage our youth to remain focused and hardworking. Use education, innovation, entrepreneurship and active citizenship to pursue your dreams, fulfil your potential, and help build a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,” she said.
The First Lady of Abia State, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti, underscored the vital role of young people in national development, describing the forum as a platform for building a better future. She commended the organisers and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting youth-focused initiatives such as the i-HEAL forum.
Forum Aligns with #iHEALBlueprint
In his welcome address, the Convener and Chief Executive Officer of Waterlight Save Initiative, Dr. Prince Ero Ibhafidon, said the forum was designed to empower young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to drive sustainable development through initiatives centred on health, education and economic empowerment.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the #iHEALBlueprint, which promotes creative youth development and encourages sustainable solutions to Africa’s development challenges.
The event featured panel discussions on youth development advocacy, a business pitching competition, goodwill messages, and the presentation of empowerment items, including sewing machines, grinding engines and grants to support startups and existing businesses seeking to scale.
Notable attendees included former House of Representatives member Shina Peller; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Benue State, Mrs. Scholastica Ben Sor; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State; and media personality Morayo Brown, among others.
The organisers stated that the empowerment programme forms part of broader efforts to equip young people with practical resources, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria and Africa.