Seyi Tinubu, ministers to speak at Africa leadership conference

Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, are among prominent speakers expected at the fifth edition of FutureCast Africa 2026, an annual leadership and policy conference organised by IDCL Global.

The conference, scheduled in Abuja, will convene government officials, business leaders, civil society organisations, development experts and young innovators to deliberate on practical solutions to Nigeria’s governance and development challenges.

Announcing the event, Chief Executive Officer of IDCL Global, Oluwakemi Olorode, said the conference would serve as a non-partisan platform for constructive dialogue, collaboration and policy-driven solutions to issues affecting governance, enterprise, innovation and national development.

According to her, the event comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic pressures impacting businesses, technology innovators and the creative industry, making it imperative for stakeholders to work together in developing practical and sustainable solutions.

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Olorode explained that the conference aims to bridge the gap between policymakers and citizens by providing opportunities for direct engagement, fostering accountability, collaboration and actionable reforms rather than political rhetoric.

She said the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, would share perspectives on youth empowerment, innovation and strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy.

The conference will also feature investor and youth advocate Seyi Tinubu, alongside industry experts including Nons Miraj, Bobby Joachim, Ezekiel Solesi, Aisha Sambo and the Director-General of the International Forum for Peace and Diplomacy, Ambassador Adeniran Michael Timothy.

Other speakers include the Executive Director of A New Thing International Foundation, Ambassador Kenneth Anetor; Chief Executive Officer of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo; Secretary-General of Follow The Money International, Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo; Chief Executive Officer and Board Director of the Public and Private Development Centre, Lucy James; and Director-General of the Cityboy Movement, Shoga Francis Oluwatosin.

Olorode said discussions would focus on governance reforms, transparency, public accountability, institutional strengthening and inclusive national development, with participants expected to exchange ideas on improving public service delivery and strengthening democratic institutions.

She added that entrepreneurship, digital innovation and the creative economy would feature prominently during the conference, reflecting the growing importance of these sectors in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

According to her, participants will also have the opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and industry leaders while exploring practical strategies for economic growth, job creation and sustainable national development.

She noted that FutureCast Africa 2026 underscores IDCL Global’s commitment to creating a credible platform where innovative ideas can be transformed into practical policies and measurable outcomes.

“The conference is designed to move national conversations beyond rhetoric by bringing together decision-makers and citizens to collectively shape a stronger, more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria,” Olorode said.