An organisation focused on youth empowerment and skill development across Africa has announced plans to train 1500 young people in Akwa Ibom State in 2026 through the “Thinkation” programme. The event is scheduled to hold in Uyo, the state capital, on 31 January 2026.
Speaking at a press conference in Uyo, the co-founder of the “Thinkation” philosophy, Mrs Unyime Ivy Ubong King, said the upcoming edition, tagged “home-coming,” was designed to encourage young people to think outside the box and reinvent their future. She explained that the name “Thinkation” reflects the idea of getting youths to rethink how they approach life while building skills that can help them grow.
She said the “Home Coming” marks the ninth edition of “Thinkation,” an annual capacity-building and motivational conference pioneered by her late husband, Ubong King. According to her, the programme has, since its launch in 2018, aimed at reshaping the mindset of young people by merging critical thinking with practical education. She described it as a global platform created to stimulate creative and critical thinking among youths while equipping them with skills needed to address emerging societal challenges.
Mrs King noted that this is the first time the programme will be hosted in her home state, adding that it is expected to motivate many young people across Akwa Ibom. She said the event will “trigger young people’s creative abilities for a radical paradigm shift that will advance educational and human capacity development within their communities.”
She explained that “Thinkation” was built on the vision of her late husband, who wanted to instill leadership values from the family unit to the wider African society and contribute to poverty eradication across the continent. She added that past editions have recorded significant impact, especially in mindset transformation and entrepreneurial growth among participants worldwide.
She revealed that next year’s edition will feature a young Ghanaian entrepreneur who first encountered Ubong King on social media and later received mentorship through the Thinkation platform, eventually building a successful business in Ghana. “Beyond him, we are bringing in seasoned professionals with proven track records who will share how they built their businesses from scratch,” she said. “We believe every young person is creative; our work is to mentor, ignite that creativity, and guide them toward a successful future.”
Reflecting on her husband’s legacy, she described him as a man lifted “from the dunghill of life” and empowered by God to inspire others. She expressed confidence that the foundation will continue to promote his mission of awakening leadership and entrepreneurial skills in youths.
The Head of Strategic Communication for “Thinkation,” Mr Ekerete Ikpe, announced that the 2026 event will take place at Flairmore Event Centre, Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, starting at 9 a.m. He said it will feature a mix of conference sessions and entertainment, including music, spoken word, comedy, and cultural displays. He added that the Uyo edition will equip young Nigerians with practical skills, entrepreneurial insights, and a mindset geared toward building a more innovative and prosperous future.
