Jamie Pajoel International (JPI), a global youth leadership organisation, has announced that preparations are in top gear to host about 3,000 delegates from 15 countries at the JPI Youth Leadership Convention 2026, which is scheduled to take place in Abuja from 28 to 29 March 2026. The organisation said the upcoming event will place strong focus on youth empowerment and youth development across Nigeria and Africa.
At a press briefing in Abuja, Deborah Remmy, the President of the JPI Abuja Chapter, said the convention is coming at a time when many young people are searching for direction, opportunities and credible platforms to grow. She explained that the theme for the 2026 convention, Big Vision, Bold Step, reflects JPI’s commitment to helping young people think beyond their present limitations while taking practical steps toward a better future.
Speaking at the briefing, Michael Chizota, the National President of JPI Nigeria, described JPI as a structured youth leadership organisation with a long track record of impact, not an informal motivational gathering. He noted that since 2009, JPI has reached large numbers of young people through conferences, state chapters and training programmes. He added that the organisation has sponsored several young Nigerians to international conferences and supported youth-led initiatives across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.
Chizota stated that the 2026 convention will bring together young leaders, professionals and changemakers from Nigeria and other countries within and outside Africa. According to him, the convention will address issues such as youth unemployment and underemployment, access to opportunities, enterprise development, social innovation and practical leadership. He said the sessions will provide participants with knowledge, mentorship and networks that can help them advance in their careers, businesses and personal development.
He emphasised that the vision of the convention is to build young people who are responsible, productive and able to contribute meaningfully to national development. He added that the organisation is intentional about creating an environment where young people can learn from experienced leaders in business, public service, social impact, technology, real estate, agriculture, education, health and the creative industries.
Jamie Pajoel, the Founder and Global President of JPI, also addressed the media and guests at the briefing. He spoke on the core values guiding the organisation, highlighting character, service, accountability and long-term impact. He explained that JPI is focused on equipping the mindset of young people, not just exciting their emotions, and on building a system that raises leaders who can serve their families, communities and nation with integrity.
The briefing also featured remarks from Ambassador David-AllGreen Fiase, a youth advocate and cultural promoter, who shared his personal experience on the benefits of volunteering and consistent service. He encouraged young people to embrace volunteering as a pathway to learning, building relationships and gaining exposure, instead of waiting only for paid or high-profile opportunities.
In her remark, Sandra Njoku-Samuel, the Executive Director, Media for the JPI Youth Convention 2026 and Vice President of the JPI Abuja Chapter, thanked members of the press, guests and partners who attended the briefing. She noted that the convention is intentionally designed for young people, including students, early-career professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives and community leaders, and encouraged them to begin to register and prepare to attend. She said the event is an opportunity for young people who recognise their potential to sit under structured teaching, mentorship and networking that can help them move to the next level.
JPI used the briefing to call on government agencies, parastatals, development partners, corporate bodies and private individuals whose corporate social responsibility priorities include youth development, leadership, education, entrepreneurship or skills development to partner with the organisation. Management noted that there are various partnership and sponsorship categories available, and that such support will help expand the reach and impact of the convention, especially for young people who may not have access to such opportunities on their own.
The organisation also appealed to young people across Nigeria and other African countries to take advantage of the convention by registering early once the official registration portals are opened. According to management, detailed information on registration, speakers and programme highlights will be made available through JPI’s official communication channels in the coming weeks.
