12/08/2026
2026 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY: NACCIMA YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS (NYE) OGUN URGES SUPPORT FOR YOUTH BUSINESSES AND CAPACITY BUILDING TO MEET INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND ATTRACT OPPORTUNITIES
Ogun State — Wednesday, August 12, 2026:
In celebration of the 2026 International Youth Day, themed "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations" under the United Nations framework, NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs (NYE) Ogun, under the leadership of Prince Olasunkanmi Akapo, NYE Ogun State Coordinator, has called on government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to support the development and structuring of youth-owned businesses across Ogun State.
This appeal follows observations by NYE Ogun that many youth-led enterprises, despite their innovation and ambition, suffer from weak structures, limited access to standardization and certification, and exposure to systems needed to compete locally, nationally, and internationally.
NYE Ogun emphasizes that although youth entrepreneurs operate in diverse circumstances—from access to finance to market exposure—their common goal is to establish viable, sustainable businesses that can compete, create jobs, and contribute to nation-building.
"Many young entrepreneurs are building solid businesses on weak foundations—lacking proper documentation, compliance, quality standards, and pathways into formal markets or export channels. Structural support is crucial; it’s the key difference between a surviving business and a growing one. On this International Youth Day, we call on government, partners, and the private sector to help bridge this gap," said Prince Olasunkanmi Akapo, NYE Ogun State Coordinator.
He noted that sectors such as agro-processing, ICT, creative industries, and solid minerals can meet industry and export standards with proper mentorship, documentation, and structured support.
NYE Ogun specifically urges:
- Increased investment in industry-standard capacity-building for youth businesses;
- Support for formal registration, compliance, and documentation processes;
- Enhanced linkages with export-readiness programs from NEPC and trade bodies;
- Partnerships with financial, developmental, and corporate entities for training, certification, and standardization;
- Ongoing collaboration among government agencies, chambers of commerce, and youth organisations to create a comprehensive support ecosystem.
NYE Ogun commits to collaborating with stakeholders to identify, train, and structure youth businesses and appeals to individuals, companies, and government bodies to partner in expanding these efforts.
The organisation also celebrates young entrepreneurs across Ogun and Nigeria, encouraging them to view structure and standards as pathways to sustainable growth and international opportunities.
ABOUT NACCIMA YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS (NYE) OGUN
NYE Ogun is the youth enterprise arm of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA). It focuses on structuring, equipping, and positioning youth-led businesses to meet industry standards and access both local and export markets through mentorship, capacity-building, and strategic alliances.
Signed:
Prince Olasunkanmi Akapo
State Coordinator, NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs (NYE) Ogun
07035693503
