What an incredible year it has been, equipping young leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to drive systems change and tackle development challenges.
The Youth Activators Lab (YAL), a year-long programme, empowers young leaders with systems thinking as a leadership tool to address pressing development issues across communities in Nigeria.
Participants had the privilege of engaging in expert-led learning sessions delivered by specialists in key areas of global development. They also took part in an exclusive virtual meeting with global change leaders, gaining insights and principles on how to create impact from any corner of the world. The associates acquired hands-on experience through NGYouthSDGs programmes and were nominated for impactful events and initiatives led by our partners and other organisations, gaining access to opportunities both within and outside Nigeria.
A Landmark Graduation Ceremony
The 2024 Cohort graduation ceremony was a significant milestone, celebrating the achievements and aspirations of young leaders ready to transform their communities. The event featured inspirational speeches, powerful testimonials, and reflections on a year of transformative growth.
Keynote Highlights: Inspiring Action and Empowerment
Mr Joshua Alade, Executive Director of NGYouthSDGs: Mr Joshua Alade discussed the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan, a government initiative targeting the creation of 3.7 million jobs to alleviate the impact of COVID-19. He emphasised the need to:
- Raise awareness of young people’s rights.
- Equip them to influence their peers and policymakers.
- Promote youth leadership and rights advocacy across Nigeria.
Dr Oluseyi Soremekun, National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre, Nigeria: Dr Oluseyi highlighted the Pact for the Future, focusing on youth, peace, and security (YPS), sustainable development, and the use of technology to drive inclusive progress. He urged young leaders to align their efforts with frameworks that promote peace, inclusion, and justice.
A Cohort’s Voice: Mrs Morenikejimi Olaniran
Representing the graduating cohort, Morenikejimi Olaniran shared a powerful speech:
“Knowledge is like a garden; if not cultivated, it can’t be invested, and investment in knowledge pays the best interest. NGYouthSDGs’ commitment to creating young leaders has left an incredible mark on all of us. This programme has been nothing but life-changing. We’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities, ideas as solutions, and ourselves as catalysts for sustainable change. Leadership is not a title but a responsibility to inspire, uplift, and implement sustainable solutions. We are not just leaders of today but also of tomorrow.”
Transformative Testimonials
Graduates reflected on their growth and experiences:
Ms Tinomuda: Organised a webinar, A Sport That African Women Want, empowering women. Her work earned her an invitation to Portugal by the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations to discuss using sports as a tool for peace.
Taofeeq Abdulkareem: Shared how the programme enhanced his policy formulation skills and strengthened his leadership journey.
Ms Boluwatife Sofola: Described joining the programme as being part of an impactful ecosystem, calling the experience “amazing.”
Ms Ruth Okoro: Referred to the programme as “exotic,” integrating diverse knowledge and fostering immense personal growth.
Mr Godwin Lasisi: Explained how the programme introduced him to impactful opportunities and transformed his skills and perspective within a year.
2024 Cohort Overview: A Year of Impact
Ms Boluwatife Ajayi, Senior Programmes Associate, provided a comprehensive summary of the cohort’s activities:
- 33 associates started in January, participating in:
- 10 Core Learning Sessions on project management, personal leadership, systemic change, advocacy, strategic partnerships, fundraising, policy engagement, youth mobilisation, personal branding, and the SDGs.
- 3 Webinars with global change leaders in the Lessons with Global Change Leaders series.
- 10 High-Level Stakeholder Meetings and community projects co-implemented with NGYouthSDGs.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Participants benefitted from three sessions with renowned global leaders, gaining strategic guidance.
Key Achievements:
- Graduation Rate: 28 out of 33 associates successfully completed the programme.
- Geographical Diversity: Participants represented 18 states across Nigeria.
- Professional Development: 93.1% reported significant personal and professional growth.
- Grant Success: Associates secured $10,500 in grants for advocacy, research, and community projects.
- Advancing Youth Empowerment
The programme reinforced key actions to enhance youth development:
- Increase investment in education, skills, and early childhood programmes.
- Promote human rights and social inclusion for all young people.
- Strengthen youth participation in national decision-making.
- Expand universal health coverage for young people.
- Create decent jobs and encourage youth entrepreneurship.
Closing Reflections
The ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation of universal human rights, quoting Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity.”
This principle highlights ongoing efforts to eliminate forced labour and empower young people globally.
Conclusion
The Youth Activators Lab graduation ceremony is a testament to the transformative power of young leaders. Supported by NGYouthSDGs and its partners, these leaders are equipped to turn challenges into opportunities, fostering sustainable progress in their communities and beyond.
Learn more about the Youth Activators Lab by visiting https://yal.nigerianyouthsdgs.org/
Watch the replay here.
