A non-governmental organisation, One Youth Global, has launched a network of free innovation hubs across Africa to empower young people with practical skills, innovation opportunities, and collaborative workspaces.
The unveiling took place at the Main Library Complex of Ebonyi State University in Abakaliki on Monday.
Speaking during the launch, the President of One Youth Global, Uchechukwu Agbo, encouraged Nigerian youths to avoid crime, cultism, and other social vices, stressing the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in nation-building.
According to him, the newly launched innovation hub is a free and fully equipped centre designed to help African youths develop ideas, build solutions, and collaborate on projects that address societal challenges.
Agbo explained that the initiative was created to tackle the long-standing lack of access to tools, mentorship, and enabling environments for talented young people across the continent.
“For years, many young Africans have had brilliant ideas but lacked the platforms and support needed to bring them to life. The One Youth Hub is designed to bridge that gap and help young people shape the future through innovation,” he said.
He noted that the project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by his Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Echiegu, described the initiative as timely and impactful.
He commended One Youth Global and Ebonyi State University for partnering to promote youth empowerment, digital innovation, and skills development in the state.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of EBSU, Ike-Elechi Ogba, said the innovation hub would help bridge the gap between theoretical classroom learning and practical experience.
He added that the centre would encourage hands-on learning, creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and job-ready skills among students.
The Head of Job Creation at the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Eliezar Ajah, urged students to maximise the opportunities provided by the hub.
Ajah described the location of the facility within the university library as strategic, adding that it should become an integral part of students’ academic, technological, and creative development.
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