The Ugo-Ferdinand Foundation, in partnership with Brook Laurels Academy and other organisations, has hosted the 2026 Teens Impact Summit in Enugu, bringing together teenagers, mentors and development advocates to inspire young people to discover their potential and build confidence for the future.
The summit, themed “Built for Impact,” focused on raising a generation of purpose-driven teenagers grounded in strong values, self-belief and excellence.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Empress Ugo-Ferdinand Zikora, said the initiative was designed to equip young people with the mindset and exposure needed to succeed in life.
“This summit was created to provide a platform where teenagers can discover their potential, build confidence, gain clarity about their future and understand the power they carry within them,” she said.
She stressed that exposure, mentorship and the right mindset often determine whether a young person succeeds or struggles.
“Every great leader, every great innovator and every great nation builder was once a young person with a dream. The difference between those who succeed and those who struggle is often exposure, guidance and the right mindset,” she added.
Zikora noted that the summit would expose participants to inspiring speakers who would challenge them to think differently and pursue their dreams with determination.
She also expressed appreciation to her husband, the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA, Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, and the wife of the Governor of Enugu State, Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, as well as several partner organisations for supporting the initiative.
Among the partners she acknowledged were the Custos Care Foundation, Pneuma Domain Ministry International, Korex Pharmacy, Artistry Fort Limited, Fountain Care Media, JRB Foundation, Girls Hub Abuja, David Folarinmi Foundation, TeensTrain Initiative, Favour City Light Properties, Ubiego Foundation, Abstract Space Centennial, One Hope Child Foundation and Doxa Mums and Babies.
Delivering a presentation at the summit, addiction recovery advocate and founder of the David Folarinmi Foundation, David Folarinmi, warned that various forms of addiction among teenagers must be closely monitored to prevent long-term damage to their wellbeing and future.
“Drug addiction, which starts from abuse, is a vision killer that destroys future aspirations,” he said, adding that alcohol, gambling and social media addiction can also negatively affect a person’s health, finances and relationships if left unchecked.
Also speaking, the Vice President of Pneuma Domain Ministry International, Rhema Clement, emphasised the importance of spiritual and moral upbringing in shaping the lives of young people.
“Godliness is the most assured way of a child’s upbringing and growth,” she said, adding that teaching children the principles of faith and discipline helps nurture their character and guide them toward fulfilling their life purpose.
Other speakers, including Etima Umeh and Ngobiri Abraham, encouraged teenagers to embrace the right information and mindset early in life to overcome fear and pursue their ambitions.
In a keynote message delivered on behalf of the wife of the governor, Chidimma Egonu, Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, commended the organisers for creating a platform dedicated to nurturing young people.
She conveyed the goodwill of Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah and reiterated that the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote the wellbeing and development of residents of the state.
