ACCI Launches Young CEOs Forum to Drive Youth-Led Economic Growth in Nigeria
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has intensified its commitment to youth-driven economic transformation with the formal inauguration of a new Executive Committee for its Young CEOs Forum. This initiative is strategically positioned to serve as a catalyst for innovation, enterprise expansion, and enhanced private sector inclusion across Nigeria.
Strategic Vision for Youth Empowerment
During the inauguration ceremony held at the ACCI Secretariat in Abuja, ACCI President, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, emphasized the critical role of young entrepreneurs in shaping the nation's economic future. He articulated that the Young CEOs Forum transcends a mere membership category, describing it as a "pipeline for leadership and a springboard for enterprise development." The forum is specifically designed to equip young business owners with essential tools to scale their ventures and thrive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
Originally established on May 20, 2021, under the leadership of former President Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, the Forum targets entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 30 years. It provides comprehensive access to mentorship programs, structured networking opportunities, and business development resources aimed at fostering sustainable growth.
New Leadership and Institutional Support
Obegolu charged the newly inaugurated executive team to prioritize programs that deliver tangible, measurable impacts. Key focus areas include expanding membership, strengthening peer-to-peer collaboration, and advocating for policies that create a more enabling environment for small and emerging businesses.
The newly sworn-in leadership team comprises:
- Najib Waziri as Chairman
- Susan Galadimawa as Vice Chairman
- Oladele Femi as Treasurer
- Cynthia Otubu as Secretary
- Egena Elvis Akogwu as Program Director
In a show of institutional backing, the Chamber's Vice President for ICT and Digital Economy, Chigozie Igwe, pledged sustained support to the team. He highlighted the importance of leveraging digital tools to amplify the Forum's reach and impact, ensuring it remains relevant in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Forward-Looking Agenda and Broader Implications
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Najib Waziri outlined a proactive agenda centered on practical outcomes. This includes providing business expansion support, facilitating mentorship linkages, organizing capacity-building workshops, and improving access to opportunities for young entrepreneurs throughout the Federal Capital Territory.
"We are committed to building a vibrant community of young business leaders who are not just job seekers, but job creators," Waziri stated. He added that the Forum will intensify efforts to attract and retain members while fostering collaboration both within the Chamber and with external stakeholders.
The inauguration ceremony, which featured the formal presentation of appointment letters, underscores ACCI's broader strategy to institutionalize youth inclusion within its operational framework. This move aims to strengthen the role of entrepreneurship in national development, particularly as Nigeria continues to confront challenges related to unemployment and economic diversification.
As the country seeks sustainable pathways to growth, the ACCI Young CEOs Forum is emerging as a pivotal vehicle for nurturing a new generation of business leaders. By empowering young entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, and resources needed to succeed, the Forum is poised to contribute significantly to Nigeria's economic resilience and long-term prosperity.
