More than 10,000 young Nigerians converged at the University of Lagos Sports Centre for the fifth edition of Gen Z Involvement in a New Nigeria (GiNN 5.0), a youth-focused platform promoting leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and civic participation. The event, held on June 30, 2026, brought together young people from across Nigeria for mentorship, networking, creativity, enterprise development and national transformation discussions.
GiNN 5.0: A Movement for Youth Leadership and Innovation
Hosted by Javis and Alexis, GiNN 5.0 provided a platform for participants to connect with business executives, entrepreneurs, media personalities, creatives, political figures, innovators and youth development advocates. The convener and organiser, Agomeze Saint Chukwuemeka, popularly known as Saint of Africa, stated that the gathering represented a major shift in the role of young Nigerians in shaping the country's future.
According to Agomeze, "GiNN has grown from an idea into a movement. What we witnessed at GiNN 5.0 proves that young Nigerians are no longer waiting to be handed the future. They are stepping forward to build it, lead it, finance it, innovate it and redefine the narrative of this country." He emphasised that the initiative was created to go beyond motivational conversations by connecting young people with opportunities, investors, mentors and institutions capable of helping them turn ideas into sustainable ventures.
Agomeze noted that GiNN's long-term goal is to become Africa's leading youth development platform by providing young people with access to knowledge, funding, visibility and strategic networks. He added, "GiNN is not just an event. GiNN is a movement for the young Nigerian who wants to build, lead, create and contribute."
Keynote Sessions and Distinguished Speakers
The fifth edition featured keynote sessions, panel discussions and conversations covering leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, innovation, governance and the role of Gen Z in national development. Speakers and guests included Kola Adesina of Sahara Group, Ayo Animashaun, founder of The Headies Awards, Bunmi Davies, Gbenga Obadina, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Ezekiel Adamu, Evans Jakpa-Johns, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim and Jamiu Badmus.
The event also hosted the GiNN Young Excellence Awards, which recognised young Nigerians making notable contributions across entrepreneurship, entertainment, digital media, innovation, social impact and leadership. Recipients of the 2026 awards included Oladapo Abdul-Hammed Anjolaiya, Muhammad Sheriff, Kemi Ikuseedun, Destiny Osarewinda, Eric Gugua, Amadou Elizabeth Aminata, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Seyi Ademoso, Jagbojo Oveze Godwin, Biodun Adedire, Zainab Alayande and Tochi Ifeanyi.
N30 Million Empowerment Fund and Practical Support
Beyond recognition, GiNN 5.0 announced empowerment initiatives, including more than N30 million in seed funding commitments from speakers and partners to support emerging entrepreneurs and promising business ideas. Agomeze stated that beneficiaries would receive follow-up support through the GiNN Innovation Hub to ensure the funding contributes to business growth and measurable impact. Selected participants also received plots of land as part of the platform's practical empowerment approach.
Agomeze explained, "We cannot continue to gather young people only to motivate them and send them back empty-handed. Inspiration is important, but access is more important. Funding is important. Mentorship is important." He stressed that private sector partnerships remained critical to expanding youth development initiatives across Nigeria and Africa.
Future Plans and Partnerships
Agomeze added that future editions of GiNN would focus on building a year-round ecosystem connecting young Nigerians with investors, mentors, policy leaders, corporate organisations and global opportunities. He declared, "Our goal is to make GiNN the number one platform for youth development, youth leadership, youth innovation and Gen Z empowerment in Africa."
The event received support from organisations including Minimie, Metropolitan Electric, Cleaques, Airtel, Zenith Bank, Golden Penny, Ecobank, Declan Wine, Addme and Adbond Homes.
Related Youth Empowerment Initiatives
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) launched YouthCred to make loans available for Nigerian youths. The national loan scheme allows young people to access up to N5 million as part of efforts to help them actualise their dreams with ease.
