The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has renewed its push for youth-driven economic transformation with the inauguration of a new Executive Committee for its Young CEOs Forum, positioning the platform as a catalyst for innovation, enterprise growth, and private sector inclusion.

Speaking at the inauguration held at the ACCI Secretariat in Abuja, ACCI President, Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, underscored the strategic importance of empowering young entrepreneurs to drive Nigeria’s economic future.

He described the Young CEOs Forum as more than a membership category, noting that it is a “pipeline for leadership and a springboard for enterprise development,” designed to equip young business owners with the tools needed to scale their ventures and compete in a dynamic economy.

Originally established on May 20, 2021, under former President Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, the Forum caters to entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 30, providing access to mentorship, structured networking, and business development opportunities.

Obegolu charged the newly inaugurated executives to prioritise programmes that will deliver measurable impact, particularly in expanding membership, strengthening peer collaboration, and advocating for policies that create a more enabling environment for small and emerging businesses.

The newly sworn-in leadership team is headed by Najib Waziri as Chairman, alongside Susan Galadimawa as Vice Chairman, Oladele Femi as Treasurer, Cynthia Otubu as Secretary, and Egena Elvis Akogwu as Program Director.

Also lending institutional backing, the Chamber’s Vice President, ICT and Digital Economy, Chigozie Igwe, assured the team of sustained support, particularly in leveraging digital tools to expand the Forum’s reach and impact.

In his acceptance remarks, Waziri outlined a forward-looking agenda focused on practical outcomes, including business expansion support, mentorship linkages, capacity building, and improved access to opportunities for young entrepreneurs across the Federal Capital Territory.

“We are committed to building a vibrant community of young business leaders who are not just job seekers, but job creators,” he said, adding that the Forum would intensify efforts to attract and retain members while fostering collaboration within and beyond the Chamber.

The inauguration ceremony, which featured the presentation of appointment letters, signals ACCI’s broader strategy to institutionalise youth inclusion within its framework and strengthen the role of entrepreneurship in national development.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with unemployment and economic diversification challenges, the ACCI Young CEOs Forum is emerging as a key vehicle for nurturing a new generation of business leaders capable of driving sustainable growth.