Innovate. Influence. Impact.
Accelerating Young Women’s Roles in National Development
Innovate. Influence. Impact.
Accelerating Young Women’s Roles in National Development
Date
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Venue
Abuja
Theme
Innovate, Influence, Impact: Accelerating Young Women's Roles in National Development
Keynote
Hajiya Hadiza Bala UsmanSpecial Adviser to the President on Policy & Coordination
A National Imperative
Nigeria's future belongs to the youth. The Young Women's Leadership Conference is a national platform dedicated to equipping the next generation of female leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers with the tools, networks and confidence to shape the future of the country.
ABOUT YWLC
Where Ambition Meets Opportunity
The Young Women’s Leadership Conference (YWLC) is an annual national engagement designed to cultivate a new generation of female leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs in Nigeria. It specifically supports young Nigerian women in their pursuit of active involvement and excellence in business, technology and public affairs.
Introduced in 2024, YWLC was born from a conviction that empowering young women is not merely a matter of social justice, it is an economic and national imperative. When women thrive, families, communities and entire economies prosper. Through tailored empowerment and leadership development initiatives, the Conference provides crucial tools, mentorship and networks to young women ready to lead.
YWLC is convened annually by Rinsola Abiola, Director General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. The event was conceptualised in 2024, while she served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership. The 2026 edition is being delivered in partnership with Eagles Foundation for Humanity.
OUR IMPACT
Three Editions. One Movement.
A Nigeria where young women occupy and excel in leadership roles across business
Our Mission
A Nigeria where young women occupy and excel in leadership roles across business, technology and public life, driving inclusive economic growth and equitable national development.
Our Vision
A Nigeria where young women occupy and excel in leadership roles across business, technology and public life, driving inclusive economic growth and equitable national development.
OUR CONVENER
Rinsola Abiola
Director General, Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC)
Rinsola Abiola is the Director General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), a federal agency supervised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. She made history in August 2025 as the first female Director General in CLTC’s over 70-year history, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in keeping with his commitment to youth inclusion and gender representation in governance.
A strategic communication and government relations expert with over a decade of experience at the intersection of politics and civil society, Rinsola previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship & Leadership, a role from which she conceived and launched the Young Women’s Leadership Conference in 2024. She continues to serve as the YWLC’s convener in her new capacity as Director General.
Rinsola has an educational background in Statistics, Public Relations and Economics, and has participated in international leadership and civic training programmes in the United States, Sweden and the United Kingdom. A 2025 Munich Young Leader, she was selected in 2019 as one of 25 young Nigerian women to champion the UN Women Beijing Platform for Action goals, and has served on the advisory board of the World Youth Movement for Democracy (Africa Region). She has also founded non-profit organisations focused on youth and women empowerment.
Built on Purpose Backed by Institutions
YWLC 2026 stands on the strength of two organisations that have made youth and women's empowerment their life's work.
The CLTC is a federal parastatal established in 1951, supervised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. The Centre is committed to fostering civic education and robust youth leadership development across Nigeria through training camps, civic engagement initiatives and citizenship education programmes.
Eagles Foundation for Humanity is a civil society organisation committed to human development, women's empowerment, community engagement and national progress. The Foundation serves as the implementing partner for the 2026 edition of YWLC, bringing institutional capacity and community reach to the initiative.
INNOVATE | INFLUENCE | IMPACT
Accelerating Young Women’s Roles in National Development
The 2026 edition builds on the momentum of previous conferences by expanding its geographic reach to include young women from Northern and Southern Nigeria alongside participants in the Federal Capital Territory. The Conference will be an immersive, carefully curated experience addressing the specific needs and opportunities of young women across the country in leadership, business, technology and public affairs. Virtual participation will also be enabled.
Programme Overview
Opening Session
The conference opens with welcome remarks from the Convener and key government officials, goodwill messages from major sponsors and partners, and the keynote address by Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy & Coordination.
Discussion 1: Unlocking Leadership Potential
Core principles of effective leadership, communication, influence and emotional intelligence. Participants will explore what it means to lead with purpose, resilience and integrity in today’s rapidly changing world.
Discussion 2: Business, Tech & Innovation
A rich session covering entrepreneurship essentials, from ideation and business modelling to accessing capital, financial literacy, and digital tools for growth. Dedicated segments address career pathways in technology, including coding, data analytics, cybersecurity, and UI/UX design.
Discussion 3: Public Affairs & Advocacy
An empowering exploration of governance, policy formulation, and women’s participation in politics and public service. Participants will hear from accomplished leaders, learn how to navigate political landscapes, and understand their role as advocates for equitable national development.
Follow-on Programmes
Following the main conference, selected participants will be invited to join one of two concurrent training/mentorship programmes on Business Development and Politics/Public Service.
Other follow-on initiatives will be announced in due course.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman
Special Adviser to the President on Policy & Coordination
Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman is one of Nigeria’s most respected public administrators, with a distinguished record spanning the public, private and development sectors. As Special Adviser to the President on Policy & Coordination, she plays a central role in shaping the Renewed Hope administration’s strategic direction. Hajiya Hadiza is a widely acclaimed champion of young women’s political leadership and inclusion.
Why Attend?
Who is YWLC For?
YWLC 2026 is designed for young Nigerian women aged 18–35, with a particular focus on..
How Participants Are Selected
Participants will be selected through an application process designed to ensure commitment, potential and diversity across socio-economic backgrounds and professional aspirations. You can apply to attend here
Entrepreneurs
Building businesses, launching ideas, and creating innovative solutions for the future.
Students and Graduates
Preparing for career opportunities, leadership growth, and success in the digital economy.
Young Professionals
Seeking to advance their careers, strengthen leadership skills, and expand their networks.
Young Women
Passionate about governance, public affairs, advocacy, and creating meaningful social impact.
Register
Be Part of Something Bigger
Applications for YWLC 2026 are now open. If you are a young Nigerian woman ready to lead, innovate and make your mark, this conference was made for you. Spaces are limited. Apply today.
BECOME A PARTNER
Why Partner with YWLC?
Partnership Benefits
The Young Women’s Leadership Conference 2026 offers unparalleled opportunities for corporate organisations, international development partners and philanthropic foundations to demonstrate their commitment to gender equity, youth empowerment and sustainable national development.
High Visibility & Brand Alignment
Associate your brand with a high-impact national initiative championed by the Federal Government, reaching thousands of young women and a broad national audience.
Direct Impact
Contribute tangibly to women’s economic empowerment, job creation and leadership development in Nigeria.
CSR & ESG Fulfillment
Fulfil Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental, Social and Governance mandates by investing in human capital development and social equity.
Talent Pipeline
Gain access to a pipeline of skilled, motivated and ethically conscious young female talent for future recruitment or collaboration.
Networking
Engage directly with influential government officials, youth leaders and civil society organisations.
Media Exposure
Extensive media coverage across TV, radio, print and digital platforms nationwide.
Partners
YWLC is proud to work with a broad coalition of organisations committed to women’s empowerment and national development.
Become a Sponsor
Be part of a movement that is reshaping what female leadership looks like in Nigeria. Partnership and sponsorship opportunities are available for corporate organisations, development partners and foundations.
Stories & insights from Previous Editions
Voices from delegates, speakers and convenors. Explore reflections, recaps and what's next for the YWLC community.
"I Came With a Business Idea. I Left With a Business." — Meet a YWLC 2025 Alumna
When Amina arrived at YWLC 2025 – headlined by Beyond Boundaries – she had a notebook full of ideas and a deep uncertainty about whether any of them were worth pursuing.
Why Nigeria Cannot Afford to Keep Young Women on the Sidelines
Women make up approximately 49% of Nigeria's population. Young women between the ages of 18 and 35 represent one of the country's largest demographic segments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about our empowering event.
What is the Young Women's Leadership Conference (YWLC)?
YWLC is Nigeria's premier annual conference for young female leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals aged 18–35. Convened by the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the conference equips participants with leadership skills, business knowledge, networks and opportunities to drive their personal and professional growth.
What will the conference cover?
YWLC 2026 will feature sessions across three core areas: Leadership Development, Business, Technology and Innovation, and Public Affairs and Advocacy. The day also includes a keynote address, panel discussions, networking sessions and announcements about follow-on programmes.Do I have to pay to attend?
Registration is completely free. However there are limited seats available.
What is the theme for YWLC 2026?
The theme is Innovate, Influence, Impact: Accelerating Young Women's Roles in National Development.
Who is the keynote speaker?
The confirmed keynote speaker is Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy & Coordination.How can I register for the YWLC conference?
You can register by clicking the "register now" button and filling the registration form.
How do I stay updated on YWLC 2026 announcements?
Follow YWLC on social media and check back on this website regularly for updates on speakers, programme details and follow-on initiatives.
What are the follow-on programmes?
Following the main conference, selected participants will be invited to join one of two intensive follow-on tracks: Business Development Training or a Politics and Public Service mentorship programme. Additional follow-on initiatives will be announced closer to the conference date.
Get in Touch
For partnership and sponsorship enquiries, media accreditation or general information about YWLC 2026, please contact the CLTC team:
Zullaihat Ohiare
Special Assistant on Legal Matters and Strategic Partnerships
Office of the Director GeneralCLTC
phone: 0708 545 7584
Khalilat Sadiq Abbas
Special Assistant on Public Affairs
Office of the Director GeneralCLTC
phone: 0906 866 9400
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