APDC hosted Dr. Emmanuel Akinwumi, PMP, ACIS, CPA, FCA, PhD, CEO/President of Financing and Partnerships Africa Ltd (Finpar) and former development consultant of the African Development Bank Group, during a visit focused on exploring areas for strategic collaboration and identifying key areas of support to bolster the Centre's mission of empowering youths and women across the African continent.

Dr. Akinwumi's visit commenced with a closed-door session where he met with APDC's management team, led by Maaruf Yakub, Director of Programmes, Policy & Partnerships. During this session, Mr. Yakub delivered a detailed presentation on APDC's impactful programs, highlighting initiatives across Agribusiness, Fashionistas, and Nutripreneurs.

Following the comprehensive briefing, Dr. Akinwumi embarked on a customary tour of the Centre's state-of-the-art demonstration facilities. In a wrap-up meeting, he expressed significant admiration for the quality of the facilities and conveyed strong interest in supporting APDC through multiple avenues. These include co-financing partnerships and cohort sponsorships for the Centre's vital urban agriculture, creative arts, and nutrition programs.

A key highlight of the visit was Dr. Akinwumi's expressed interest in collaborating with APDC to establish a similar facility in Ekiti State. This new hub would serve as an additional, crucial hub for APDC's expanding reach. Furthermore, committed to mobilizing additional grants to enhance APDC's resource capabilities. “I will definitely come again," Dr. Akinwumi remarked, impressed by the Centre's broad scope and potential.

This visit marks an important stride towards building strategic partnerships that will significantly enhance APDC's capacity to deliver impactful programs and foster youth empowerment across Nigeria. The Centre eagerly anticipates a fruitful and transformative collaboration with Finpar under Dr. Akinwumi's visionary leadership.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting partnership!