The Youth Activators Lab (YAL) is a one-year personal development journey for young people passionate about using systems thinking as a leadership tool to address developmental challenges, develop their innovative ideas, influence policies, and create programs that foster social change in communities across Nigeria. Our mission is to encourage these changemakers to localise and drive the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within their communities, promoting meaningful youth engagement and leadership. We aim to equip young leaders with the skills to be solution providers and catalysts for systemic change.
The YAL programme started in 2019 as a Champions Programme with 72 young leaders across Nigeria and was recently rebranded in 2023 to directly provide exclusive leadership development and mentoring to associates in 2024.
The program has taken associates through a series of virtual training sessions covering essential topics such as personal leadership, systems thinking, understanding the SDGs, A-Z of advocacy, and policy engagement. Esteemed facilitators like Hammed Kayode Afolabi, Joshua Alade, Boluwatife Ajayi, Ruth Okafor, Onome Okwah, and Joshua Adedeji have enriched the program with their insights and expertise. Additionally, the program features “Lessons with Global Change Leaders,” a quarterly interactive session where associates learn directly from prominent global changemakers. Notably, Olanrewaju Gideon, Founder and Executive Director of AREAi, and Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun, National Information Officer at the United Nations Information Centre in Nigeria, have shared their journeys and experiences.
Over the past six months, associates have participated in high-level engagements to advance the SDGs and development in Nigeria, authored articles championing women’s empowerment, and created policy briefs on issues affecting young people. To celebrate their commitment and achievements, we held a virtual party on July 5th, bringing together all 31 associates.
The virtual party which was held on the 5th of July was a vibrant session filled with feedback sharing, interactive games, and prize giveaways. Associates shared their experiences on the program, highlighting personal growth and newfound skills.
Ruth Oliseh expressed, “I have been able to sharpen my advocacy and leadership skills.” Morenikejimi Olaniran mentioned the privilege of attending high-level events and bonding with fellow associates through sessions and group activities, which helped develop her interpersonal skills.
Other testimonials from associates included remarks like, “It has been exciting,” “Transforming and eye-opening for me,” and “A lot of learning and unlearning, helping me to be the changemaker I want to be, and also a testimonial from Godwin Lasisi about his experience so far as a YAL Associate.” The virtual party not only celebrated their journey but also strengthened the bonds among the associates, creating a supportive community of emerging leaders.
As we reflect on the first six months of the Youth Activators Lab, we are inspired by the progress and dedication of our associates. Together, we are fostering a generation of young leaders poised to make a lasting impact on their communities and the world.
