“The Igba-Boi model is not just cultural, it is genius. It is our own MBA. We need structure, branding, and digitization" -Chief Ekene Nnamani
“We will not only train youths; we must monitor them, mentor them, and help him launch. Every apprentice needs a launchpad" -Prof. Victor Nnam
“If knowledge is the wheel, capital is the engine. We must create co-operative societies, explore government grants, and develop trust-based funding systems" - Engr. Pastor Beloved Dan Anike
The Nkanu Youths Economic Summit 2025, held on the 23rd of May at the prestigious Enugu International Conference Centre, was a resounding success, leaving a trail of inspiration, empowerment, and renewed hope in its wake. The summit, organized by the Nkanu Youth Organization, attracted over 700 youths from the Nkanu region and beyond who gathered with one goal: to take bold steps toward economic self-reliance and secure their future.
Young people, youth leaders, development experts, and entrepreneurs came together to share knowledge, seize opportunities, and ignite a new era of economic participation for Nkanu youths. From training opportunities to practical mentorships and moving speeches, the event delivered beyond expectations.
In his opening remarks, President of the Nkanu Youth Organization, Comrade David Dika, set the tone for the summit with a passionate call to action. He emphasized the urgency of youth empowerment in a time when the government of Enugu State, under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, is transforming the state into a digital and industrial hub. Dika charged the youths to take ownership of their destinies by engaging in initiatives that would equip them with practical skills and open doors to enterprise. “Youths are no longer just the leaders of tomorrow, we are the solution today. This summit is not just an event, it’s a movement. A movement to reclaim our power, our skills, and our future,” he declared, drawing a thunderous applause from the audience.
A highlight of the summit was the empowerment of over 300 youths through a free technology and digital training initiative, sponsored by MasterCard. The training programme covers essential digital skills such as web development, digital marketing, data analytics, and other globally relevant skills. Beneficiaries of this initiative expressed excitement and gratitude, after a brief Pen-On-Paper Examination, with the successful ones awarded with Certificate, noting that this was a life-changing opportunity, especially for many who have long searched for ways to upskill and remain competitive in today’s digital economy.
In addition to the tech training, hundreds of other participants who showed interest in the traditional Igbo Igba-Boi apprenticeship model were registered and scheduled to commence mentorships in trades including fashion design, hairdressing, agriculture, carpentry, catering, metal works, and tech repairs. The programme, which revives the time-honored Igbo entrepreneurial framework, has been designed not only to offer skills acquisition but also to provide mentorship and eventual business support for the apprentices.
Keynote speakers at the summit included prominent Nkanu sons and stakeholders who delivered powerful speeches that resonated deeply with the participants. Among them was Chief Ekene Nnamani, who spoke on the topic “The Future of Nwa Boi: Evolving a Heritage Model for Global Economic Relevance.” In his address, Chief Nnamani emphasized the importance of modernizing the apprenticeship system to meet global economic standards. “The Igba-Boi model is not just cultural, it is genius. It is our own MBA. What we need now is structure, branding, and digitization. The Nwa Boi system must evolve from the market square to global platforms. Let the world learn business the Nkanu way!” he said. His presentation was met with excitement, especially among youths seeking to blend tradition with innovation.
Renowned academic and urban planner, Prof. Victor Nnam, also took the stage to speak on “Mentorship, Monitoring and Exit Plans: Reimagining the Nwa Boi Lifecycle for Greater Impact.” Prof. Nnam underscored the importance of supporting apprentices even after their training. “It’s not enough to train a boy; we must monitor him, mentor him, and help him launch. Every apprentice needs a launchpad, not just a handshake. Our system must now include incubation, branding, and soft-skill development,” he said. His message was a reminder that sustainability and post-training support are key to the success of any empowerment initiative.
The Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Council, Engr. Pastor Beloved Dan Anike, delivered a spirited lecture on “Financing the Modern Apprentice: Access to Capital, Grants, and Cooperative Models.” Addressing one of the most daunting challenges facing young entrepreneurs, Engr. Anike shared pathways through which young people can access startup capital and build sustainable businesses. “If knowledge is the wheel, capital is the engine. We must create co-operative societies, explore government grants, and develop trust-based funding systems. Let us pool our resources and empower one another. Our economy can be built from the ground up, one apprentice at a time,” he declared. He further pledged his support in helping interested participants form cooperatives and connect to funding opportunities.
At the of the summit, the joy and energy among participants was palpable. Many described the experience as eye-opening, affirming that it had rekindled their belief in their potential and the future of the Nkanu region. Testimonials poured in, with several youths noting that they had never felt so seen, heard, and supported.
“This was more than a summit it was a spark,” said Chioma Edeh, one of the selected beneficiaries of the digital skills programme. “For the first time, I feel like someone is investing in my future.” Another participant, Ifeanyi Nweke, who was selected for the metalwork apprenticeship, added: “I’ve been jobless for two years, but today I have a plan, I have a mentor, and I have hope.”
The successful execution of the Nkanu Youths Economic Summit 2025 has laid a strong foundation for what many now see as a youth-led economic renaissance in Enugu State. It also demonstrated the power of community-driven solutions and the immense impact that strategic partnerships can have in addressing unemployment and poverty.
The youths dispersed from the International Conference Centre, they did so not as mere attendees of a summit, but as ambassadors of a renewed vision, one in which Nkanu youths are no longer passive observers, but active builders of their lives, their businesses, and their communities. The journey has indeed begun. The future is not a dream, it is now.
FOUNTAINCARE REPORTERS
