The Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) recently concluded its 2025 Youth Activators Lab (YAL), a high-impact, 12-month leadership program. The journey began with a staggering 1,453 applicants from all 36 Nigerian states, representing a diverse pool of 61% male and 38% female candidates. After a rigorous screening process, only 29 were selected, and 27 dedicated individuals successfully crossed the finish line.
Throughout the year, these participants engaged in 13 specialized lessons covering critical fields such as systems thinking, grant writing, policy advocacy, digital storytelling among others. The curriculum was bolstered by mentorship from global change-makers and hands-on collaboration with key stakeholders.
Beyond the statistics, the graduation was a deeply emotional “family” gathering where the air was thick with gratitude. The recurring theme of the day was activation, the belief that the potential for leadership is already embedded within every young person, needing only the right platform to be unleashed.
Joshua Alade, the founder and executive director of Nigeria Youth SDGs, emphasized in his speech that the Youth Activators Lab serves primarily as a platform to activate the potential and talents already residing within each young leader. He explained that leadership does not require perfection but must be real and come from the heart, a quality he observed in the graduates as they co-facilitated trainings and displayed a growth mindset throughout the year. As the participants transition from associates to fellows, Joshua noted they now carry a greater responsibility to challenge existing systems and represent the interests of Nigerian youth
The personal testimonies shared during the ceremony highlighted profound transformations:
Precious Akintunde shared how the program shifted his perspective from temporary fixes to sustainable solutions, leading him to found an initiative that tackles plastic pollution through community sensitization and recycling partnerships. Mary Cynthia, who initially doubted her voice, spoke of finding the clarity and self-awareness to own her role as a leader rather than waiting for external validation. Eunice testified that the program gave her the courage to engage government stakeholders, ultimately leading to the successful registration of her organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Temilade, inspired by her mentor, authored 10 articles on Medium to educate her community on maternal and women’s health.
The ceremony included an awards segment to honor those who went above and beyond:
Leadership Trailblazer of the Year – Precious Akintunde
Rising Voice in Advocacy – Olubori John
Outstanding Project Innovator – Mary Funmi Oni
Spirit of the Cohort – MaryCynthia
Most Improved Participant – Muhammad Abdul Salam
The impact of the 2025 cohort is already visible; their visibility and consistent digital presence contributed to a near 100% increase in applications for the following year, which saw close to 3,000 young people seeking to join the lab. As the new fellows carry with them a charge to lead with courage, serve with empathy, and follow excellence.
In the words of the graduates, this was more than a training; it was a launchpad that turned strangers into a family and associates into actors of change.
