The 2026 Chairperson of the Creative Young Entrepreneur Awards, JCIN Amb. Fatimat O. Usman, has called on the government to strengthen monitoring, accountability, power supply, and taxation policies to support young businesses.

She made the call on Saturday during a media parley in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, on the sidelines of the 2026 Mosese Kadeer Officers’ Training School and Area Conference of Presidents.

Usman said the CYE programme was designed to transform young people’s ideas into sustainable ventures capable of driving economic growth.

“The Creative Young Entrepreneur is an international initiative of Junior Chamber International, JCI, aimed at turning ideas into businesses that can impact the economy,” she said.

She urged local JCI leaders to inspire members and encourage applications for the award, noting that visibility and viability remain major challenges for many young entrepreneurs.

CYE has been running for five years, with one Nigerian winning $5,000 at the Africa and Middle East stage in 2022.

The programme also delivers training on legal frameworks, trademarks, partnerships, and mentoring, helping young business owners protect and grow their ventures.

JCI  Nigeria 2026 National President , JCIN Ambassador Akinbode Abitokun,stressed that youths should focus on long-term benefits for themselves, communities, and the nation, rather than immediate gains.

“Politicians are not sending their own children; they are sending you. Be your own leader and make the right decisions,” he said.

The training is held across different regions to promote leadership development and tackle socio-economic challenges nationwide.

Executive Vice President, North-West, Ambassador Lanre Alawode, described JCI as a leadership development organisation grooming young leaders to deliver on its 2026 theme, “Amplify.”

Similarly, 2026 Executive Vice President, North-East, Ambassador Hauwa Musa, urged the Federal Government to create opportunities for women to contribute to nation-building.

JCI delegate Ambassador Unwana Bright Ekong called on the media to amplify JCI’s programmes to attract partnerships and sponsorships.

She revealed that the 2026 Northern Conference would hold in Jos, Plateau State, in August, to engage and recruit more young leaders.