Held in the wake of major electoral activities, the dialogue focused on themes such as:

• Preventing Electoral Violence

• Youth Inclusion in Peacebuilding

• Social Cohesion and National Unity

• Digital Responsibility and Countering Hate Speech

Through keynote addresses, panel sessions, and breakout discussions, the dialogue generated youth-driven resolutions on fostering peace and inclusive development. These resolutions are intended to inform RTLA’s advocacy efforts and community peace action plans.

The NYPS has been adopted across schools, youth centers, and civic spaces to promote a culture of peace and to inspire active participation in peaceful democratic processes. It complements RTLA’s broader work under initiatives such as YAEVA, FTR, and ReadyToVote, reinforcing the organization’s strategic investment in democratic integrity and youth leadership.

Both NYPD and NYPS contribute to RTLA’s long-term peace architecture, ensuring young people are not just observers but architects of peaceful and democratic societies.

The Summit brought together government leaders, development partners, the diaspora, and private sector actors to strengthen education outcomes, drive youth development, engage the diaspora more effectively, and highlight investment opportunities in technology, business, mining, and job creation in Edo State.

Special guests included the Executive Governor of Edo State, Commissioners of Finance and Education, World Bank leaders, donor agencies, U.S. business leaders, and Edo indigenes across the U.S.
Together, we are building global partnerships for Edo State’s sustainable development.

On April 22, 2023, ReadyToLeadAfrica (RTLA) joined the global community to commemorate International Earth Day, under the official 2023 theme: “Invest in Our Planet.” The theme emphasized the urgent need for governments, institutions, businesses, and individuals to take tangible action toward a more sustainable and resilient planet.

In line with its commitment to youth-driven development and environmental justice, RTLA marked the day by hosting a Youth Climate Action Workshop in Abuja, Nigeria. The workshop brought together young climate advocates, environmental scientists, and community organizers for a dialogue on local climate solutions and the role of civic participation in environmental policymaking.

During the event, participants engaged in:

• A community tree planting exercise in collaboration with local schools;

• A climate advocacy training session focused on policy influence and climate budgeting;

• A panel discussion on “Youth Leadership in Africa’s Green Economy Transition.”

Through this initiative, RTLA reinforced its belief that young people are not just stakeholders but essential partners in shaping a sustainable future. The event further aligned with the organization’s broader climate and governance strategy, which includes promoting green entrepreneurship, policy reform, and civic education on environmental issues.

RTLA remains committed to creating platforms where youth voices shape the policy and environmental narratives at local, national, and global levels.

On August 12, 2023, ReadyToLeadAfrica (RTLA) joined the global celebration of International Youth Day under the United Nations theme: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.” The theme spotlighted the urgent need to equip young people with the knowledge, competencies, and tools required to transition into green economies and drive climate solutions.

In alignment with this vision, RTLA amplified its commitment to youth-driven climate leadership through its flagship ReadyForClimateAction Initiative, which was officially launched in 2022. The initiative empowers African youth to lead in climate advocacy, sustainable innovation, and environmental governance by offering capacity-building programs, climate policy fellowships, and grassroots mobilization support.

In observance of International Youth Day 2023, RTLA hosted a Green Skills Bootcamp, bringing together young environmental leaders, social entrepreneurs, and policy advocates from across West Africa. Key highlights of the event included:

• Training sessions on green entrepreneurship and circular economy models

• Workshops on climate literacy, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy

• Launch of RTLA’s Youth Climate Leaders Toolkit

RTLA believes that empowering youth with green skills is not only essential for climate resilience but also a critical pathway for economic transformation and job creation across the continent.

As climate challenges intensify, RTLA continues to position young Africans at the forefront of sustainable development through action-oriented leadership and strategic partnerships.

Across communities and continents, young people are leading innovative climate solutions, advocating for bold environmental policies, and mobilizing their peers to defend the planet. They are not just future leaders — they are leaders now. Their voices, ideas, and activism are shaping a new environmental consciousness rooted in accountability, equity, and sustainability.

On this Earth Day, we issue a clarion call for governments, civil society, and global institutions to support youth leadership in climate governance. We must invest in green education, empower youth-led initiatives, and create platforms where young environmental stewards can influence decision-making processes at all levels.

Let this day inspire renewed commitment — to listen, to learn, and to lead. The earth is calling. And youth are answering.

Protect the Planet. Empower the Youth. Lead for the Future.

In alignment with this vision, RTLA amplified its commitment to youth-driven climate leadership through its flagship ReadyForClimateAction Initiative, which was officially launched in 2022. The initiative empowers African youth to lead in climate advocacy, sustainable innovation, and environmental governance by offering capacity-building programs, climate policy fellowships, and grassroots mobilization support.

In observance of International Youth Day 2023, RTLA hosted a Green Skills Bootcamp, bringing together young environmental leaders, social entrepreneurs, and policy advocates from across West Africa. Key highlights of the event included:

• Training sessions on green entrepreneurship and circular economy models

• Workshops on climate literacy, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy

• Launch of RTLA’s Youth Climate Leaders Toolkit

RTLA believes that empowering youth with green skills is not only essential for climate resilience but also a critical pathway for economic transformation and job creation across the continent.

As climate challenges intensify, RTLA continues to position young Africans at the forefront of sustainable development through action-oriented leadership and strategic partnerships.

The event brought together a diverse panel of experienced leaders from the private sector, public institutions, non-profits, and other stakeholder groups to inspire and guide the youth. Notable speakers included the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General S. Ibrahim; Member of the House of Representatives, Luke Onofiok; CEO of Waffle Ways, Aisha Shuaibu; Global President of ReadyToLeadAfrica, Godbless Otubure; CEO of Connected Development, Hamzat Lawal; digital content creator Victoria Ana; and Nnenna Ubani.

Held on December 17, 2021, the conference focused on promoting civic engagement among young people, preparing them for job opportunities, and supporting small businesses with essential knowledge and resources for growth.

With 57 attendees, the event emphasized the need for youth solidarity in driving national progress. Participants were encouraged to look beyond divisive rhetoric and take active leadership roles by connecting civic responsibility, entrepreneurship, and employment.

In anticipation of the 2023 elections, the conference concluded with a call to action for young people to begin preparations by honing relevant skills and actively pursuing opportunities aligned with their passions and competencies.

Next Steps:

• Host The Ready Youth Conference 2.0 in the first quarter of 2022.

• Engage NYSC camps nationwide as platforms to inspire corps members to take initiative and lead.

Objectives:

• Bridge the information gap around AfCFTA and its business potential.

• Promote cross-border trade and regional integration.

• Organize community-level events across Africa to educate and inspire young entrepreneurs and business owners.

• Advance democratic, social, and economic growth through trade empowerment.

Problem Context:
Despite the AfCFTA offering immense trade opportunities, many youths and small businesses lack the information, resources, and support to access these benefits. ReadyToTRADE addresses this by creating awareness, building capacity, and facilitating access to regional markets.

Launch Event – May 31, 2023 (Merit House, Maitama, Abuja):

• Shared platform with ReadyToWork.

• Participants learned about how AfCFTA can be leveraged for small business growth.

• Events highlighted the importance of regional trade and its potential to transform Africa’s economic landscape.

Support and Endorsements:

• YALI Network Abuja: Praised ReadyToTRADE for breaking down trade barriers and fostering collaboration across Africa.

• Abuja Global Shapers: Emphasized how trade opportunities can reduce unemployment and drive innovation.

• Entrepreneurs & Coaches (e.g., Thabos Mongatane from South Africa): Encouraged youths to seize the opportunities AfCFTA presents for growth and collaboration.

READYTOTRADE

Keynote Session

Speaker 1: Nobuhle Renque

• Topic: “Deepening Trade Amongst Millennials and Gen-Zs Through the Instrumentality of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”

• Focus: Empowering young Africans to leverage AfCFTA for economic inclusion and trade growth.

Speaker 2: Chimdi Neliaku

• Topic: “Understanding the Potentials of the AfCFTA as an Instrument”

• Key Points:

  • AfCFTA is a trade agreement signed by 54 African countries to promote intra-African trade.

  • Barriers to implementation: language and cultural barriers, lack of awareness, poor infrastructure, and inadequate government policies.

  • Role of youth, entrepreneurs, government, and individuals in leveraging AfCFTA.

  • Emphasis on emotional intelligence, cultural ambassadorship, intra-African travel, and personal guiding principles.

ReadyToTRADE Panel Session

Topic: “Strengthening Cross-Border Trade”
Panelists:

• Taiwo Akerele (Policy House International)

• Bamidele Seun Owoola (Welcome2Africa International)

• Ezekiel Yusuf (Training Consultant)

• Host: Godbless Otubure (ReadyToLeadAfrica)

Highlights:

• Africa contributes only 3.2% to global growth—there’s a need for better infrastructure, government support, and education.

• Challenges to AfCFTA implementation: unstable policies, customs regulations, low product quality, and poor intra-African trust.

• Trade readiness begins at home—Nigerians must trade locally before expanding regionally.

• Strong alignment between citizens and government is needed to boost AfCFTA impact.

• Final recommendations: Improve infrastructure, educate entrepreneurs, and engage policymakers.

Launch of ReadyToTRADE & One Market Africa

• Overview Video: Showcased One Market Africa—a pan-African e-commerce platform for listing African-made products.

• Platform Purpose: Advance AfCFTA goals by aggregating African products in one marketplace (similar to Jumia/Amazon).

• Call to Action: Attendees were encouraged to sign up, list products, and use the platform as a hub for intra-African commerce.

Objectives:

• Reduce youth unemployment in Nigeria and Africa.

• Increase the percentage of skilled youth.

• Provide young people with tools and knowledge to hold public officials accountable for campaign promises.

• Promote civic participation and real-time governance monitoring using technology and local “PromiseFollowers.”

• Empower youth to demand better governance through informed advocacy.

Problem Context:
Nigeria faces high youth unemployment, with many young people not in education, employment, or training. Limited access to skills training and vocational education has hindered youth creativity and innovation. ReadyToWork addresses this by providing pathways to meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.

Launch Event – May 31, 2023 (Merit House, Maitama, Abuja):

• Over 100 participants from across Nigeria.

• Keynote speeches, panel discussions, and an assessment center to evaluate and connect participants with skill-building opportunities.

• Goodwill messages acknowledged the program’s potential to address youth unemployment, promote civic engagement, and empower underserved communities.

Support and Endorsements:

• YALI Network Abuja: Emphasized ReadyToWork as a tool for empowerment and economic transformation.

• Abuja Global Shapers: Highlighted the urgent need to address youth unemployment (projected at nearly 40% by end of 2023) and promote entrepreneurship.

• Palladium (SCALE Project): Recognized the initiative’s role in building capacity for civic engagement, particularly among youth, women, and Persons With Disabilities.

• LEAP Africa & NYFF: Encouraged participants to seek further support and opportunities through their platforms

ReadyToWORK Panel Session

Topic: “Networking Strategies for Job Seekers”
Panelists:

• Chimdi Neliaku

• Murkhtar Modibbo

• Ezekiel Yusuf

• Emmanuel Njoku

• Host: Princess Ukpa (ReadyToLeadAfrica)

Key Themes:

• Networking: A powerful tool for accessing job opportunities.

• Core Skills for Graduates: Willingness to learn, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, communication.

• Employer Relations: Build credibility and offer value before expecting responsibility.

• Social Media Strategy: Use platforms to gain visibility, share expertise, and connect with industry leaders.

• Emotional Intelligence: Essential for impactful and lasting networking connections.

Trade Fair (Supporting ReadyToWork & ReadyToTrade)

• Featured entrepreneurs who promoted their businesses and products.

• Served as a platform for exposure, partnerships, and sales.

Conclusion

• The launch of ReadyToWork and ReadyToTRADE successfully empowered youth with actionable knowledge on employment, entrepreneurship, and trade.

• The event connected young people with peers, experts, and policymakers to foster innovation, collaboration, and continental progress.