i-HEAL Global Youth Forum: Young Nigerians Receive Grants, Sewing Machines and Grinding Engines

The Waterlight Save Initiative has hosted the 2026 i-HEAL Global Youth Impact Forum in Abuja as part of activities to commemorate International Youth Day, with over 100 sewing machines, grinding engines and millions of naira in grants distributed to selected participants.

The forum, held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, brought together youth stakeholders, captains of industry, philanthropists, young leaders, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs and development partners from Nigeria and other parts of the world.

International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12, recognizes the contributions of young people to society while drawing attention to the challenges and opportunities confronting the next generation.

Held under the theme, “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future,” the i-HEAL Global Youth Impact Forum focused on equipping young people with the resources, knowledge and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.

The forum provided participants with exposure to career, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities, mentorship, visibility for their ideas and projects, access to non-refundable grants, as well as startup equipment to support their businesses and chosen areas of endeavour.

The Special Guest of Honour and First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency, Amb. Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the forum to advance their careers and pursue their aspirations.

“I encourage our youth to remain focused and hardworking. Use education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and active citizenship to pursue your dreams, fulfil your potential, and help build a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,” she said.

Also speaking, the First Lady of Abia State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, stressed the important role of young people in the development of the nation.

She described the forum as another opportunity for young people to build a better future, commending the organizers for their intervention and expressing her commitment to supporting youth-focused initiatives such as the i-HEAL Global Youth Impact Forum.

In his welcome address, the Convener and Chief Executive Officer of Waterlight Save Initiative, Dr. Prince Ero Ibhafidon, said the forum was designed to empower young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to drive sustainable development through initiatives centred on health, education and economic empowerment.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the #iHEALBlueprint, which seeks to promote creative youth development and encourage sustainable solutions to Africa’s development challenges.

The event featured panel discussions on youth development initiatives and advocacy, a business pitching competition, goodwill messages and the presentation of empowerment items, including sewing machines, grinding engines and grants to support startups and existing businesses seeking to scale.

Among the notable personalities who attended the forum were former House of Representatives member, Shina Peller; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Benue State, Mrs. Scholastica Ben Sor; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State; and media personality Morayo Brown, among others.

The organizers said the empowerment programme was part of broader efforts to equip young people with practical resources and opportunities that would enable them to become self-reliant and contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria and Africa.