…targets jobs, value chains, national security 

By Benjamin Njoku

Organisers of the Elite Brunch Summit 2026 have announced plans to bring together business leaders, policymakers, security stakeholders, and young entrepreneurs in Abuja to drive entrepreneurship, mentorship, and value chain development as tools for economic growth and national security.

Scheduled for October 3, 2026, the summit will be held under the theme:”Entrepreneurship and Mentorship: Building the Nation’s Future Through Value Chain Creation.”

Convener of the summit, Ambassador Angel Twani, said this year’s edition is billed to focus on equipping young Nigerians with entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and market access to create jobs and tackle youth idleness.

According to her, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda\, which prioritizes youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s economic development strategy.

Twani said the summit also draws inspiration from the Renewed Hope Initiative,RHI, of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which provides business grants, vocational training, and agricultural support to women and youths nationwide.

She noted that other government interventions such as the Presidential MSME Grant Scheme and the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative have expanded opportunities through grants, skills acquisition, and enterprise development.

The convener also commended key institutions driving youth enterprise. These include the Energy Commission of Nigeria under Engr. Mustapha Abdullahi for promoting renewable energy businesses and green jobs; SMEDAN, led by Mr. Charles Odili, for entrepreneurship training and market access for MSMEs; and the Bank of Industry,BOI, for financing start-ups and youth-led businesses.

“The Elite Brunch Summit will complement existing government initiatives by connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, investors, and business opportunities,” Twani said.

She added that the summit will honour visionary leaders, corporate partners, and outstanding youth entrepreneurs driving value chain creation and job opportunities across agribusiness, technology, creative industry, and manufacturing.

Organisers expect the event to stimulate new and expanded businesses, generate employment, strengthen corporate-youth partnerships, and help reduce youth idleness over the next 12 months.

The summit will feature panel discussions and masterclasses on enterprise development in agribusiness, technology and digital innovation, creative industries, manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and multimedia production.

Organisers say the platform will foster collaboration among stakeholders while positioning entrepreneurship as a strategy for sustainable economic growth and improved national security.