In a landmark move for youth empowerment across the continent, Comrade Ugochukwu Syvester Emeana, Director General of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN), actively participated in the Afreximbank Youth Empowerment Training Programme, held on the sidelines of the 32nd Afreximbank Annual General Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.


The high-impact training, organized under the visionary leadership of Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, brought together young changemakers from across Nigeria. The program aimed to equip them with vital entrepreneurial, financial, and leadership skills to navigate and thrive in Africa’s evolving economic landscape.


Comrade Emeana, who led UYAN’s delegation, commended the initiative as a practical and timely intervention amid Nigeria’s growing unemployment challenges. He noted that “programs like this not only provide skills but inspire a mindset shift toward self-reliance and productivity among youth.”




UYAN, under Emeana’s stewardship, played a pivotal role in mobilizing grassroots participation and ensuring youth from underserved communities had access to this rare opportunity. The association’s presence reinforced its position as a national vanguard in the struggle for youth inclusion, empowerment, and economic justice.


This historic engagement also coincided with the attendance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who honored Prof. Oramah with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) for his extraordinary contribution to Africa’s financial development. Other dignitaries present included Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Dr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs—underscoring the importance of the moment.


On behalf of UYAN and the Nigerian youth constituency, Comrade Emeana expressed deep appreciation to Prof. Oramah and the entire Afreximbank leadership for championing youth-focused programs that are solution-driven and future-focused. “Your commitment has rekindled hope in our generation,” he said, “and we look forward to more collaborations that place young people at the heart of Africa’s transformation agenda.”


As the ripple effects of the training spread across communities, UYAN—under the guidance of Comrade Emeana—remains steadfast in its mission to partner with progressive institutions and platforms like Afreximbank. The goal: to empower, equip, and elevate Nigerian youths into the drivers of Africa’s next frontier.


Together, we raise a generation that is skilled, visionary, and ready to lead Africa forward.