The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Activate Success International Foundation (ASIF), Love Idoko-Uloko, has called on young Nigerians to adopt entrepreneurship, innovation, and courage as routes to personal achievement and national progress. She declared that Nigeria requires a generation prepared to build, not one waiting for rescue. Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme (YEEP) in Abuja, Idoko-Uloko stated that the country's primary challenge is not a scarcity of talent but the lack of adequate frameworks to convert youthful potential into productive ventures.
Key Pillars for Sustainable Economies
Addressing participants under the theme 'Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Courage and Impact', she described these four concepts as foundations for sustainable economies. 'Entrepreneurship is the disciplined creation of value and opportunity where none previously existed. Innovation is the commitment to relevance in a rapidly changing world. Courage is the willingness to act decisively in the presence of uncertainty, while impact remains the enduring measure of success,' she said.
Bridging the Gap Between Talent and Opportunity
The ASIF founder lamented a widening gap between talent and opportunity, education and employability, and aspiration and access. She noted that millions of Nigerian youths possess ideas and creativity but lack support systems to convert them into sustainable livelihoods. She explained that ASIF was established over a decade ago to address this challenge, driven by the conviction that no young Nigerian should have their future limited by birth circumstances.
Personal Journey and Foundation Impact
Reflecting on her personal journey, Idoko-Uloko recounted how her father's death at a critical stage in her life shaped her outlook and commitment to creating opportunities for others. 'I learnt early that adversity does not have the final authority over a person's destiny. Sometimes, it refines clarity, strengthens resolve, and redirects purpose,' she said. The foundation has evolved into a national platform for youth empowerment, reaching millions through entrepreneurship training, leadership development, and enterprise support. Over 90 per cent of businesses supported remain operational, 85 per cent have been formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, and more than 70 per cent have recorded significant growth.
Achievements of Previous YEEP Edition
Highlighting achievements of the last YEEP edition, Idoko-Uloko said over ₦50 million was disbursed to young entrepreneurs across Nigeria, with 57 beneficiaries receiving grants. Additionally, 30 fashion entrepreneurs were equipped with industrial machines donated by Vodi Tailors. 'These interventions were never intended to be symbolic. They were designed to be catalytic, providing resources, confidence, and momentum for young people transitioning from ideas into viable enterprises,' she said.
Honouring Key Partners
The foundation also honoured key partners, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described as the highest donor of grants during the 2025 YEEP edition; the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for nine years of partnership; Nestlé Nigeria for eight years of support; architect Apeh Iwodi of Lines and Minds; fashion entrepreneur Seyi Vodi; Crown Luxury Properties CEO Crown Amos Gbadawole; and Flutterwave CEO Gbenga Agboola, lead sponsor of YEEP 2026. Idoko-Uloko stressed that honours were based on measurable impact rather than position. 'We do not celebrate position; we recognise impact,' she stated.
Advice to Young Nigerians
She urged participants to focus less on seeking money and more on developing ideas, strategies, and solutions. 'Money is a reward for solving problems. Money flows in the direction of solutions. Stop looking for money; look for a plan, an idea, and a strategy,' she advised. Encouraging young Nigerians not to be discouraged by backgrounds or circumstances, she reminded them that success is determined by vision, discipline, and action. 'As we commence YEEP 2026, my expectation is that this gathering will not only inspire thought but provoke action, ignite transformation, and deepen the commitment of every participant to building something meaningful,' she said. She noted that YEEP has become more than an annual programme, describing it as a continuing national commitment to equipping, empowering, and positioning young Nigerians to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
