iPLACE reaffirms commitment to Youth empowerment on International Youth Day

By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna

http://www.newsportng.com.ng Institute of Professional Learning and Advancement (iPLACE) has restated its resolve to equip young Nigerians with the skills and platforms needed to thrive, as the world marks International Youth Day 2025.

The global event, celebrated annually on August 12, focuses on recognising the contributions and aspirations of young people. This year’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, resonates strongly with iPLACE’s mission of empowering the next generation through targeted training, mentorship, and innovation-driven opportunities.

In the past year, iPLACE expanded its youth-focused initiatives with remarkable milestones, including the Future Leaders Program, which trained over 2,000 young professionals in leadership, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship; the Young Innovators Fellowship, a mentorship platform for youth-led social impact projects; and Skill Up Workshops in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital marketing.

Chief Executive Officer of iPLACE, Mr. Osita Okoro, said the organisation’s approach goes beyond skill acquisition to unlocking the leadership and creative potential of young people.

“As we celebrate International Youth Day, we are reminded that the future depends on how we empower our youth today. At iPLACE, we don’t just teach skills—we help young people unlock their potential to lead, create, and innovate in their communities,” Okoro said.

Looking ahead, iPLACE plans to roll out international programmes aimed at linking young changemakers with industry leaders, funding opportunities, and global networks.

The organisation also urged governments, private sector players, educators, and communities to intensify support for youth development to build a confident and capable generation able to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

Founded to advance capacity building and lifelong learning, iPLACE has positioned itself as a catalyst for leadership, innovation, and transformative impact across various sectors.