Wofai Samuel, Assistant Secretary-General for Representational Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 29 June 2026
Contact: Media Relations, info@iydg.org 

Press Release: International Youth Federation Appoints Wofai Samuel as Assistant Secretary-General for Representational Affairs

London, United Kingdom: The Executive Office of the International Youth Federation (IYF) today announced the appointment of Ms. Wofai Samuel of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Assistant Secretary-General for Representational Affairs.

Ms. Samuel brings to the IYF a distinguished record of international leadership spanning trade diplomacy, strategic communications, and multilateral affairs across sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the United States.

Prior to joining the IYF, Ms. Samuel directed the successful implementation of the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) Nigeria and the State of Illinois–U.S. Trade Mission to Nigeria. She also served as Director of Communications and External Affairs at the United Kingdom–Liberia Chamber of Commerce (UKLCC), Editor of Africa Energy & Infrastructure Magazine, and Head of Oil & Gas Communications at Foreign Investment Network. Ms. Samuel has played a significant role in advancing U.S.–Nigeria economic cooperation, leading engagement with more than 250 businesses in support of bilateral trade and investment during her tenure as Acting Director-General of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout her career, Ms. Samuel has moderated, facilitated, and participated in high-level meetings, conferences, and international engagements involving governments, diplomatic missions, multilateral institutions, and private-sector leaders across the United States, sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe. She has also served voluntarily in youth leadership and Pan-African representative roles through initiatives supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“I am deeply honoured to join the International Youth Federation at this critical moment in global development, as young people assume an increasingly active role in shaping the policies, institutions, and development priorities of their countries, regions, and the international community” said Ms. Wofai Samuel, Assistant Secretary-General for Representational Affairs, IYF. 

She added: “I look forward to working alongside the leadership of the International Youth Federation, our member states, strategic partners, and our global network to strengthen international cooperation, advance youth engagement, and create opportunities that empower the next generation globally. Together, we have an important responsibility to ensure that young people are active participants in shaping a prosperous world.”

In her new role, Ms. Samuel will lead the IYF's Representational Affairs portfolio, overseeing the Federation's representational system. She will work closely with the partners to advance the Federation's mandate, deepen relationships with partners, governments, intergovernmental bodies, and civil society organisations, and amplify the IYF's presence on the global stage.

"The IYF is delighted to welcome Ms. Samuel to our leadership team. Her breadth of experience across multilateral diplomacy, trade, and international communications, combined with her demonstrated commitment to Africa's development and youth empowerment, makes her exceptionally well-placed to lead our representational work. We are confident that her appointment marks an important step forward for the Federation."  Maria Isabel Jose, Chef de Cabinet, International Youth Federation.

Ms. Samuel holds a degree in Zoology and Environmental Biology from the University of Calabar, Nigeria, and an Advanced Diploma in Human Resources and Organisational Management from the University of Lagos.

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The IYF is a global youth network dedicated to empowering young people and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources that help youth build a better future. The organization works in alignment with the 2030 Global Goals Agenda to promote education, advocacy, sustainable development, and a culture of respect and compassion worldwide. 

IYF engages and mobilizes new audiences to take action and raise support for youth-focused sustainable development programmes around the globe.

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For more information, please contact: IYF Media Relations – info@iydg.org  |  Fédération internationale de la jeunesse  |  HQ Office, Press Center  |  24 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom  |  www.iyfweb.org