Enugu Summit Demands Strategic Investment in Adolescent Mentorship to Safeguard Future National Leadership and Growth

Stakeholders at the Enugu 2026 Teens Impact Summit call for youth investment and warn against addiction. Read about the "Built for Impact" initiative.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 6:54 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from THISDAY

Empowering the Next Generation of National Builders

The 2026 Teens Impact Summit, held recently in Enugu, served as a rallying cry for stakeholders across the government and education sectors to increase their commitment to adolescent development. Organized by the Ugo-Ferdinand Foundation in partnership with Brook Laurels Academy, the event operated under the theme "Built for Impact." According to organizers, the primary objective was to equip teenagers with the essential knowledge and confidence required to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. The summit underscored the belief that the trajectory of a nation is inherently tied to the quality of guidance provided to its youngest citizens during their most formative years.

The Role of Early Exposure in Shaping Success

Mrs. Ugo-Ferdinand Zikora, wife of the Chairman of Igboeze South Local Government Area, emphasized that the disparity between successful and struggling youth often stems from their early environment. She argued that providing a platform for self discovery is essential for helping teenagers gain clarity regarding their future aspirations. By exposing young people to positive mindsets and structured mentorship, the foundation aims to bridge the gap in opportunities that many teenagers face. Zikora noted that every significant innovator or leader began with a dream that was nurtured by the right values and information provided during their youth.

Combatting the Scourge of Modern Addictions

A significant portion of the summit focused on the internal and external threats that jeopardize youth development, specifically the rise of substance abuse and digital dependencies. Mr. David Folaranmi, founder of the David Folaranmi Foundation, delivered a keynote address labeling drug addiction as a "vision killer" for the younger generation. He warned that the long term damage to a teenager's development is often irreversible if early signs of addiction are ignored. Beyond narcotics, Folaranmi pointed toward the dangers of excessive social media consumption, gambling, and alcohol, all of which can severely undermine a young person's health, finances, and social relationships.