Youth Opportunity Summit Heads to Ibadan to Empower Young Nigerians with Future-Ready Skills
Ibadan will host the next edition of the Youth Opportunity Summit (YOS), a two-day youth empowerment event scheduled for December 5 and 6, 2025, at the University of Ibadan.
Announcing the event on General Issues, a trends programme on Adamimogo 105.1FM, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ango Mustapha, said the summit is a flagship initiative of the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, championed by the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Women and Youth Engagements, Hauwa Liman, in partnership with Inspire for Impact Initiative.
According to Mustapha, the summit is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills for the jobs of the future while addressing the growing challenges of unemployment and youth hopelessness.
“The Youth Opportunity Summit is designed to empower young people across Nigeria. We are coming to Ibadan to engage, educate, and expose youths to opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, and leadership,” he said.
The initiative, which has already toured several northern states including Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Katsina, and most recently, Calabar in Cross River State, will make its next stop in Ibadan before heading to Akwa Ibom.
Highlighting a major attraction of the event, Mustapha said the first day of the summit would feature the semifinals of the Indigenous Language Business Pitching Competition, where young entrepreneurs will present business ideas in their native languages.
“Language should never be a barrier to opportunity. Many young Nigerians have brilliant business ideas but can’t express them well in English. We want them to pitch in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin, whatever language they are most comfortable in. What matters is the strength of the idea,” he explained.
Participants aged between 18 and 40 can apply by uploading a short video of their business idea on Instagram and tagging Inspire for Impact Initiative. Selected participants will receive pitching training ahead of the semifinals on December 5.
The summit will also feature panel discussions, Ignite Talks, and a business clinic, aimed at helping participants refine their ventures and learn sustainable business strategies.
“Even if you don’t win, it’s a win-win for you,” Mustapha added. “You will learn how to position your business, network with industry leaders, and access opportunities that can transform your future.”
The event will culminate in a grand finale, where finalists will pitch before a panel of experts for a chance to win funding support, including a N1 million cash grant attached to the Indigenous Language Pitching Contest.
Mustapha encouraged youths in Ibadan to seize the opportunity, describing the summit as “a ray of hope” for young Nigerians seeking empowerment, innovation, and meaningful participation in the nation’s economic growth.
