Preparations for the eighth Ambassadors National Youth Summit have received a major boost following the announcement that Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu will serve as chief sponsor of the 2026 edition, through his Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF).

The summit, organised by the Joshua Oyeniyi International (JOI) Foundation and convened by Dr Joshua Oyeniyi, has grown over 12 years into one of Africa’s most-watched youth events, with this year’s programme expected to draw over 3,500 delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Delegates will vie for business grants and mentorship packages aimed at strengthening youth enterprise across sectors. The summit will hold at the Grand Ballroom of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

The Summit has, since its founding in October 2014, consistently expanded its footprint, now livestreaming to audiences in more than 80 countries, including the United States (U.S.), the United Kingdom (UK), and Canada — a reach that underscores its growing status as a global platform for African youth voices.

This year’s theme, “The Role of Emerging Leaders as Catalysts in Securing Nigeria’s Economic Future,” will anchor conversations among impressive speakers line-up featuring Adebutu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; Chinese Consul-General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, LSSTF CEO/ES, Dr Ayo Ogusan; broadcaster, Dr Morayo Afolabi-Brown; Dr Fred Nnadike (MD/CEO, FINET Communications), Ehiagwina Joy Patrick (Group MD, Patjeda Group), and commentator, Chude Jideonwo.