The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Youth Opportunity Summit (YOS) Ibadan, Ango Mustapha, has announced that the two-day youth empowerment event will hold on December 5 and 6, 2025, at the University of Ibadan.
Speaking on General Issues, a trends programme on Adamimogo 105.1FM, Mustapha said the summit is a flagship initiative of the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, championed by the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Women and Youth Engagements, Hauwa Liman, in partnership with Inspire for Impact Initiative.
According to him, the summit aims to equip young Nigerians with skills for the jobs of the future while addressing the growing problem of unemployment and hopelessness among youth.
“The Youth Opportunity Summit is designed to empower young people across Nigeria. We are coming to Ibadan to engage, educate, and expose youths to opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, and leadership,” Mustapha said.
He explained that the initiative has already toured several states in the North, including Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Katsina, and recently held in Calabar, Cross River State, before its upcoming stop in Ibadan and later in Akwa Ibom.
Highlighting the uniqueness of the event, Mustapha said the first day of the summit would feature the semifinals of the Indigenous Language Business Pitching Competition — an initiative that allows young entrepreneurs to present their business ideas in their native languages.
“Language should never be a barrier to opportunity. Many young Nigerians have brilliant business ideas but can’t express them well in English. We want them to pitch in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin — whatever language they are most comfortable in. What matters is the strength of the idea,” he explained.
He noted that participants aged between 18 and 40 can apply by recording a short video of their business idea, posting it on Instagram, and tagging Inspire for Impact Initiative. Selected participants will be trained on pitching skills before the semifinal stage on December 5.
Mustapha added that the summit would feature panel discussions, Ignite Talks, and a business clinic to help participants refine their ventures and learn sustainable business strategies.
“Even if you don’t win, it’s a win-win for you,” he said. “You will learn how to position your business, network with industry leaders, and access opportunities that can transform your future.”
The summit will culminate in a grand finale where finalists will pitch their ideas before a panel of experts for a chance to win funding support, including the N1 million cash grant attached to the Indigenous Language Pitching Contest.
Mustapha encouraged Ibadan youth to seize the opportunity, stressing that the initiative represents “a ray of hope” for those seeking practical empowerment in today’s competitive economy.
