A non-governmental organisation, One Youth Global, has unveiled a continental network of youth innovation hubs aimed at empowering African youths to develop practical solutions to community challenges.
The President of the organisation, UcheChukwu Agbo, disclosed this shortly after the unveiling at the Main Library Complex of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, where he also warned Nigerian youths against engaging in criminal activities.
Agbo described the initiative as a free, fully equipped platform designed to provide young people with the tools and environment needed to transform ideas into impactful solutions.
“For too long, our young people have had ideas but no platforms, talent but no tools, ambition but no environment to act on.
“The One Youth Hub closes that gap. We are not waiting for the future to be handed to African youth, we are building it with them, one solution at a time," he said.
He explained that the initiative aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Gender Equality, and Partnerships for the Goals.
In his remarks, the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, described the project as timely and visionary.
He commended One Youth Global and EBSU for the partnership and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote skills development and enterprise among youths.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of EBSU, Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba, emphasised the need to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
He noted that the innovation hub would foster hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation necessary to produce job-ready graduates.
The Head of Job Creation at the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and National Lead of the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, Mr. Eliezar Ajah, urged that the facility be fully integrated into students’ academic and creative activities.
He described the location of the hub within the university library as strategic for enhancing accessibility and engagement.
Other stakeholders, including the Vice-Chancellor of Coal City University, Prof. Afam Icha-Ituma; EBSU’s Chief Librarian, Dr. Victoria Nwali; renowned writer Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo; and the Managing Director of Afia TV, Chief (Sir) Emeka Mba, hailed the initiative as a major step toward advancing youth empowerment, innovation, and collaborative learning in Ebonyi State and across Africa.
