Emmanuel Agida Collaborates with Lagos State University to Host West Africa Youth Summit

156th Ecowas Youth Ambassador, Amb. Emmanuel Agida, has entered into a strategic partnership with the esteemed 9th Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi OLATUNJI-Bello mni, NPOM, to orchestrate the remarkable West Africa Youth Summit.

Emmanuel Agida, who also holds the esteemed position of Chairman on the Governing Council of the West Africa Youth Fellowship, formalized this collaboration subsequent to a productive engagement with the University's management Council and directors.

The outcome of this partnership was expeditiously shared via the University's Official Twitter Handle within hours. The tweet underscored, "On Friday, the VC, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, welcomed Ecowas Youth Ambassador Emmanuel Agida, who sought her endorsement for a Leadership Development Program, targeting 1000 students of the university."

The West Africa Youth Summit serves as a pivotal platform for youth development dialogue, with the express aim of formulating solutions to the unique challenges impeding West Africa's political and socio-economic advancement. By furnishing a comprehensive framework for training, empowerment, and the cultivation of the subsequent cohort of burgeoning young leaders from West Africa, Emmanuel Agida and his collaborators ardently believe that the region's intricate challenges can be most effectively addressed and resolved by the vibrancy of its youthful population.

Scheduled to take place from the 24th to the 25th of October 2023 at the Main Auditorium, Lagos State University, the summit will be anchored around themes including Leadership & Governance, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Education, Community Service, as well as pressing global concerns such as Food Insecurity & Poverty, Refugees, Climate Change, Gender Discrimination, Peace & Security, Drug Abuse, and Digital Globalization. The summit's ultimate objective is to equip participants with tangible insights into governance and public administration, fostering discussions on Sustainable Development Goals that will primely prepare them for the evolving landscape of governance in West Africa.

"Our firm conviction rests in the premise that West Africa's multifaceted challenges, ranging from socio-economic disparities to environmental concerns, can only be effectively resolved through visionary leadership," emphasized Agida. "This drives our deliberate investment in harnessing the potential of West Africa's young achievers, cultivating them into proactive and resolute leaders of the future."

Emmanuel Agida, the driving force behind this initiative, is an enterprising Nigerian Entrepreneur, a beacon of Youth Leadership, an accomplished Public Speaker, as well as a devoted writer and Philanthropist. His journey into the realm of politics commenced as the Special Assistant on Media to the Commissioner for Women, Children, and Social Affairs in Osun State, a landmark achievement realized at the age of 17.

Before his engagement in politics, Agida held the role of media manager to the Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Nigeria. His ascent continued when he was bestowed with the title of Ecowas Youth Ambassador by the Ecowas Youth Council on April 18th, 2022, an accomplishment that made history as he became the youngest ambassador ever appointed at the age of 18.

At an even younger age of 15, Agida had already etched his name in the literary realm with the publication of two books, namely "Success Compendium" and "Pathway to Heavenly Places."

His illustrious journey is punctuated with numerous accolades, recognizing his substantial contributions to Youth Development and Philanthropy. Among these honors, he received a Certificate of Excellence from the Young African Leaders Initiative, founded by Barrack Obama, applauding his philanthropic endeavors and unwavering leadership spirit.

Additionally, Agida boasts the prestigious Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity, a testament to his principled and impactful actions.

Presently, he is concurrently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Benin while enriching his understanding of Global Politics through studies at the International Business Management Institute in Berlin, Germany.