.as Chief Adebutu comes on board as chief sponsor

By Joseph Erunke

Preparations for the 8th Ambassadors National Youth Summit have received a major boost following the announcement that Chief Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu will serve as chief sponsor of the 2026 edition, through his Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF).

The Summit, organised by the Joshua Oyeniyi International (JOI) Foundation and convened by Dr Joshua Oyeniyi, has grown over twelve years into one of Africa’s most-watched youth events, with this year’s programme expected to draw over 3,500 delegates from all 36 states and the FCT.

Delegates will vie for business grants and mentorship packages aimed at strengthening youth enterprise across sectors. The Summit convenes at the Grand Ballroom of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki on Saturday August 29th, 2026 at 9am.

Since its founding in October 2014, the Summit has consistently expanded its footprint, now livestreaming to audiences in more than 80 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada — a reach that underscores its growing status as a global platform for African youth voices.

This year’s theme, “The Role of Emerging Leaders as Catalysts in Securing Nigeria’s Economic Future,” will anchor conversations among an impressive speaker line-up featuring Chief Adebutu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) ;former Lagos State Governor, Chief Babatunde Raji Fashola, Lagos State Deputy Governor ,Dr Femi Hamzat, Chinese Consul-General in Lagos ,Ms Yan Yuqing, LSSTF CEO/ES, Dr Ayo Ogusan, broadcaster ,Dr Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Dr Fred Nnadike (MD/CEO, FINET Communications), Chief Mrs Ehiagwina Joy Patrick (Group MD, Patjeda Group) and commentator, Chude Jideonwo.

Chief Adebutu, a titled chief in Ile-Ife and Lagos and a long-recognised name in Nigerian philanthropy through KAAF, joins the Summit at a time when organisers are looking to scale its impact beyond previous editions.

Sources close to the JOI Foundation describe the partnership as one that strengthens the Summit’s capacity to deliver tangible business support to participants, rather than inspiration alone.

The 2026 Ambassadors Summit holds in Lagos, with registration for free entry already ongoing on the JOI Foundation’s official platform.