UNICORN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT NETWORK← 2027 ApplicationRelive the previous edition: two days of youth leadership, dialogue, collaboration and practical conversations in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Held on 26–27 June 2026, the conference brought delegates together to discuss leadership, governance, accountability and social transformation, while building connections across communities.
A glimpse of the delegates, sessions, discussions, networking and people who made the edition memorable.
Meet the young people who came together for learning, exchange, leadership and collaboration.
Panelists shared practical perspectives on leadership, governance, accountability and social transformation.
Delegates presented realities, experiences and priority issues from the communities and states they represented.
Small-group challenge tables created space to identify issues, exchange ideas and develop practical responses.
Connections, conversations and shared moments extended beyond the formal conference sessions.
Meals and fellowship gave delegates additional opportunities to connect and interact throughout the programme.
The people working behind the scenes helped create a welcoming and coordinated conference experience.
John Geraji Jacob is a Chartered Banker (ACIB) and Associate International Retail Banker (AIRB), currently serving as a Relationship Manager at Access Bank PLC, Nigeria. He is the Convener of Greening Taraba, where he leads youth-driven initiatives focused on leadership, climate action, and community development. John is the founder of Unicorn Youth Development Network and coordinates the Taraba NextGen Conference, 2026, A major youth-led stakeholders Conference to be held in Jalingo. He has collaborated with organisations such as Nigerian Women Lead and OMNIA Interfaith Peacemaker Team on community organising, gender advocacy, and peacebuilding. Passionate about youth empowerment, social justice, and sustainable development, John works at the intersection of finance, advocacy, and grassroots mobilisation to drive transformative change in North-Eastern Nigeria.
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