The Kwara State Government has honoured Craft Innovation Hub (CIH) with a Champion Award in recognition of its contribution to youth development and socio-economic growth in the state.

The award was presented during the grand finale of the 2026 International Youth Day celebration held at the Ilorin Innovation Hub on Thursday.

International Youth Day is observed globally on August 12, while Kwara State held its grand finale the following day, bringing together young people from the 16 local government areas, government officials, youth organisations, development partners and other stakeholders.

The 2026 celebration was held under the theme, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations", which highlights the shared aspirations of young people for quality education, decent employment, meaningful participation, opportunities and sustainable futures.

Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, presented the award to the Founder and Chief Operating Officer of CIH, Mr Abdulrasaq Ahmed Abiodun, who received it on behalf of the organisation. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Ahmed Nafisat.

The programme was organised by the Kwara State Ministry of Youth Development under the leadership of Commissioner Ambassador Ndanusa Usman Shehu.

According to the award citation, CIH was recognised for its "outstanding contribution, commitment and support to youth development and socio-economic development in Kwara State."

The recognition formed part of a broader International Youth Day programme during which the state honoured individuals, entrepreneurs and organisations contributing to youth development.

The event also featured cultural performances and a panel discussion focusing on youth participation in agriculture and preventive healthcare.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Mamman Saba Jibril, reaffirmed the administration's commitment to expanding opportunities for young people through innovation, entrepreneurship, skills development, agriculture, sports and employment.

The governor encouraged young Kwarans to embrace technology, acquire relevant skills and turn their ideas and talents into sustainable livelihoods.

Commissioner Shehu also urged young people to see themselves as active partners in the development of Kwara rather than merely beneficiaries of government programmes.

He called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, development partners and youth organisations.

The award follows several engagements between CIH and the state government on youth development.

In July 2025, the Ministry of Youth Development expressed support for CIH during a familiarisation visit to its Agbo Oba facility, describing the hub as an initiative focused on equipping young people with digital, vocational and creative skills.

In August 2025, the ministry also collaborated with CIH around its Automate Kwara Initiative, which was designed to expose young people to automation and no-code technologies while providing mentorship and practical learning opportunities.

CIH's programmes combine technology and vocational training with employability, entrepreneurship and community-development initiatives, with an emphasis on project-based learning and pathways from skills acquisition to employment, freelancing and enterprise development.

The organisation has also extended its activities to community development, including a free health-screening programme held in Ilorin in November 2025.

The initiative recorded approximately 550 attendees and about 200 screened beneficiaries, according to CIH's post-event impact report.

The Champion Award formally recognises the organisation's growing involvement in youth skills development, digital innovation and community impact in Kwara State.