NDLink, the Niger Delta’s leading development media platform, reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying youth-led innovation during the International Youth Day (IYD) 2025 regional convening in Asaba, Delta State.

Held on 12th August, 2025, and hosted by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), the event was themed: “Advancing Peace and Development in the Niger Delta Through Technology, Partnerships, and Job Creation”. It brought together youth leaders, innovators, development partners, and government actors to celebrate creativity, strengthen collaboration, and spotlight opportunities for inclusive growth.

With over 100 in-person participants – including representatives from government agencies, the private sector, TVET institutions, YEP alumni, and youth-led networks such as Junior Chamber International (JCI) and Global Shapers- the convening also featured the YEP Business Challenge Fund Award Grant Ceremony, where young entrepreneurs recived catalytic funding to scale their ventures.

NDLink-Led Dialogue on Technology and Partnerships

A major highlight of the event was a panel session chaired by NDLink Coordinator, Mary Joseph, titled “Harnessing Technology and Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable, Youth-Led Peace and Development.”

Moderating the discussion, Joseph emphasized NDLink’s role as the Niger Delta’s regional knowledge hub, established to bridge diverse voices, share stories of resilience, and spotlight grassroots solutions shaping the region’s future.

Panelists – including a disability rights advocate, a YEP alumnus, and representatives of youth networks- shared powerful insights on digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, and peacebuilding. Their stories underscored how Niger Delta youth are turning bold ideas into sustainable solutions, proving that innovation and collaboration are at the heart of lasting change.

Deepening Engagement with Young Changemakers

Beyond the panel, NDLink strengthened its ties with NDLink Champions and other innovators at the convening. These interactions reinforced NDLink’s role as a trusted convener, connecting grassroots changemakers with regional and global opportunities while amplifying their stories to a broader impact.

Key Outcomes and Strategic Takeaways

From NDlLink’s perspective, the convening emphasized the need to move beyond talks into tangible actions for impact. Key lessons included:

• Strengthening collaboration among youth networks, civil society, and government actors to co-create scalable solutions.
• Spotlighting youth-led innovation across NDLink platforms as models that inspire transformation and replication.
• Equipping NDLink Champions with visibility, mentorship, and connections to strengthen their community-driven initiatives.
• Promoting inclusive use of technology as a critical tool for peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic empowerment.
• Turning event engagements into lasting partnerships that deliver scalable impact and measurable results across the Niger Delta..

Through ongoing stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and strategic storytelling, NDLink will continue to catalyze youth empowerment and sustainable progress in the Niger Delta.

Looking Ahead

International Youth Day 2025 reinforced the power of youth innovation in shaping peace and prosperity in the Niger Delta.

NDLink will continue to amplify young changemakers, foster collaboration, and drive inclusive development conversations that translate into lasting impact for the region.