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By Ngozi Nwoke
Organisers of the Abia Youth in Governance Conference 2026 have announced a landmark gathering aimed at empowering young people to actively shape the political and developmental future of Abia State.
Positioned as more than a conference, the event is described as a transformative movement to awaken leadership, inspire civic responsibility, and unite youths around a shared vision for a New Abia.
With the theme, “Rising to Lead the Future — Uniting Vision, Voices, and Leadership for a New Abia,” the conference will bring together policymakers, traditional leaders, innovators, and youth stakeholders for meaningful dialogue on leadership, governance, entrepreneurship, and community development.
The conference will feature the Chief Guest of Honour, His Excellency, Alex Chioma Otti, Executive Governor of Abia State, accompanied by Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, First Lady of Abia State.
Distinguished guests of honour include Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; His Excellency, Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of Abia State; Ayodele Olawande, Honourable Minister of Youth Development; and Hon. Nwaobilor Ananaba, Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Abia State.
A keynote address will be delivered by Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, President of Masters Energy and former Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development.
The event will also be graced by prominent traditional rulers serving as Royal Fathers of the Day, including Linus Nto Mbah, Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers; His Eminence, Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro IX of Arochukwu Kingdom; Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, the Enachioken of Abiriba Ancient Kingdom; and HRH Ndukwe Iko, the Nnaka IV of Okon Aku Ohafia.
Participants will engage in keynote sessions and panel discussions featuring experienced speakers addressing youth and public leadership, entrepreneurship, governance accountability, community impact, the creative industry, and social influence. The conference will also provide extensive networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and mentorship.
A major highlight of the event will be the official launch of the Abia Emancipation Group (AEG), described by organizers as a bold movement committed to redefining Abia’s political future and amplifying youth voices in governance. The launch signals a renewed push to mobilise civic participation and promote accountable leadership across the state.
Invited attendees include federal and state legislators from Abia, political appointees, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, corporate organizations, youth groups, students, civil society organisations, NGOs, friends of Ndi-Abia, and members of the general public.
The conference is powered by the Diamond Heart Initiative, led by Comrade Ikechukwu Norbert, Founder and Executive Director, who emphasised that the gathering represents a collective responsibility to shape a better future.
He noted: “This is our time, our responsibility, and our future. Abia youths must take their place in deciding the direction of our state.
“The Diamond Heart Initiative is dedicated to youth empowerment, civic engagement, and leadership development, working to create platforms that enable young people to actively contribute to governance and societal progress.”
