PRESS RELEASE – iLEAD AFRICA to Host AI Impact Summit in Nigeria as Pre-Summit Event of Global India AI Impact Summit 2026 Abuja, Nigeria – Friday, 23 January 2026 iLEAD AFRICA has announced plans to host the AI Impact Summit in Nigeria on Friday, 30 January 2026, in Abuja, as an official Pre-Summit event ahead of the Global India AI Impact Summit, scheduled to hold on 16-20 February 2026 in New Delhi, India. The Summit will convene policymakers, technology experts, development partners, innovators, youth leaders, civil society actors, and private-sector stakeholders to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in shaping inclusive economic growth and social development. Aligned with the global AI theme “AI for Economic Development and Social Good,” the Nigeria Pre-Summit will focus on the topic: “Harnessing Responsible AI to Accelerate Economic Opportunity, Youth Capacity, and Social Good in the Future of Work.” As artificial intelligence continues to redefine labour markets and productivity worldwide, the AI Impact Summit aims to position Nigeria and Africa at the forefront of responsible, people-centered AI adoption. The event will spotlight how ethical and inclusive AI can unlock new economic opportunities, equip young people with future-ready skills, and strengthen social systems across key sectors such as education, governance, entrepreneurship, and community development. Speaking on the Summit, iLEAD AFRICA emphasized that Africa’s large youth population must not be left behind in the AI revolution. The organization noted that the Summit will provide a platform for dialogue, innovation showcases, and policy conversations that connect local realities with global best practices particularly through collaboration with India’s growing leadership in AI for development. The event will feature keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, interactive sessions, and innovation showcases highlighting AI-driven solutions for workforce transformation and social impact. It will also generate actionable recommendations and partnerships to support long-term AI-driven development initiatives in Nigeria and across Africa. The AI Impact Summit in Nigeria reinforces iLEAD AFRICA’s commitment to advancing youth empowerment, responsible innovation, and inclusive development, while contributing to global conversations on leveraging AI as a force for economic growth and social good. For partnerships, participation, or media inquiries, please contact: iLEAD AFRICA info@ilead4africa.org First Duplex Building, Suite 17, Wuye Ultramodern Market, Wuye District, Abuja Back home

iLEAD AFRICA Call for 50/50 Youth–Adult Political Inclusion at Future for Democracy Policy Dialogue Ahead of 2027 Elections Abuja, 20 January 2026 – In a critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, iLEAD AFRICA convened the Future for Democracy Policy Dialogue in Abuja under the theme “Rebuilding Trust in Nigeria’s Elections through Youth Participation and Civic Innovation.” The one-day forum brought together youth leaders, civic actors, policy specialists, and media representatives to chart actionable pathways for restoring public confidence in electoral institutions. Opening the dialogue, iLEAD AFRICA’s Chief Executive, Yusuff Liadi Abiodun, emphasized that youth must be seen not only as voters but as co-owners of democratic governance. A key highlight of the discussions was the call for 50/50 representation between youth and adults in political and decision-making spaces over time to counter systemic youth exclusion in politics. The sessions explored major barriers to youth political engagement, including weak political organization, financial exclusion, limited civic socialization, and voter apathy. Participants proposed practical remedies, such as strengthening youth political blocs, early civic education, active party participation, and advocacy for seamless voter registration processes. Technology-driven civic engagement also featured prominently, with iLEAD AFRICA’s iMonitor identified as a pivotal tool for election incident reporting, grassroots monitoring of government projects, and youth-led observation networks. Recommendations included INEC accreditation for iMonitor, regionalized observer mapping, USSD and barcode reporting for low-connectivity areas, and high-visibility advocacy campaigns through digital influencers. Security and peace during elections were highlighted as critical, with participants emphasizing observer neutrality, early identification of violence indicators, and proactive voter education to reduce tensions. The dialogue also stressed evidence-based mapping of electoral hotspots and strategic engagement with INEC to ensure safe deployment of sensitive materials. Concluding the dialogue, iLEAD AFRICA reaffirmed that rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s elections goes beyond procedural reforms. Youth leadership, credible civic innovation, and sustained collaboration between institutions and citizens are essential to restoring electoral integrity. By centering young people as accountability actors and leveraging technology, iLEAD AFRICA is advancing a new generation of democratic oversight in Nigeria. Back home

Anti-Corruption Day: iLEAD AFRICA Hosts Press Conference Ahead of CoSP11 in Doha, Qatar As the world marks International Anti-Corruption Day 2025, iLEAD AFRICA joined global efforts by hosting a high-level press conference today under the inspiring theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.” The event brought together media professionals, civil society actors, young advocates, and stakeholders committed to strengthening transparency and accountability across Nigeria and Africa. This year’s theme reflects a powerful truth young people remain the strongest force in shaping a future built on integrity. At iLEAD AFRICA, we believe that meaningful progress in the fight against corruption requires empowering youth with the tools, knowledge, and platforms to demand accountability and uphold ethical leadership in their communities. A major highlight of today’s conference was the announcement that iLEAD AFRICA has been granted special accreditation to participate in the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), scheduled for 15-19 December 2025 in Doha, Qatar. This global gathering is the world’s largest and most influential decision-making platform on anti-corruption efforts. Our participation represents a significant milestone for youth-led governance efforts in Africa and a recognition of our growing impact in the civic-tech and accountability ecosystem. During the briefing, we emphasized the significance of Nigeria’s status as a signatory to the UNCAC, underscoring the nation’s responsibility to uphold the rule of law, strengthen its judicial processes, and enhance the capacity and independence of its anti-corruption institutions. We reiterated that sustainable development and democratic progress cannot thrive where corruption undermines trust, blocks opportunity, and weakens public institutions. The press conference also highlighted the urgent need for collaborative action. We called for strengthened partnerships between government agencies, civil society organizations, and young people who represent the backbone of our continent’s future. By leveraging digital advocacy, civic education, and community-driven initiatives, iLEAD AFRICA is committed to building a movement where integrity becomes a national culture, not an exception. As we prepare for our engagement at COSP 11 in Doha, we remain focused on amplifying youth voices, showcasing African innovations, and bringing home lessons that can strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption systems. Today’s event reaffirms our belief that a corruption-free future is possible and that young people are central to building it. At iLEAD AFRICA, we continue to champion transparency, accountability, and active citizenship as the foundation of sustainable development and good governance. Stay connected with us as we share updates from our participation at the UNCAC Conference and continue driving youth-led integrity initiatives across Africa. Yusuff Liadi Abiodun Chief Executive Officer, iLEAD AFRICA Back home