Event Report: NGYouthSDGs commemorates the 2023 International Volunteers Day

Nigeria Youth SDGs registered as Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) in partnership with the European Union Youth Sounding Board in Nigeria and RLabs Nigeria hosted a virtual event to commemorate the 2023 International Volunteers Day with the theme. “The Power of Collective Action: If Everyone Did.” The event aimed at acknowledging the significant contributions of young individuals and partners towards amplifying youth voices and advocating for meaningful engagement in policies for youth to lead and thrive

During the event, the Executive Director of NGYouthSDGs, Mr Joshua Alade, emphasized that Volunteers are at the heart of the work of NGYouthSDGs from our advisory board, staff, champions, and partners as they contribute to the attainment of our mission as they organize events, conduct research, facilitate workshops and engage communities. He also stated that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but today, who are passionate about creating systemic change that will help Nigeria achieve sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, the Programs Associate, Ms Boluwatife Ajayi, stressed the importance of amplifying the voices of young Nigerians, ensuring their concerns and aspirations are heard by decision-makers. She added that NGYouthSDGs is committed to driving positive changes that will benefit the youth and volunteers at large citing the “Youth Activator Lab” a revamped champions program, aimed at young people between the ages of 18 and 29 who aspire to lead systemic change in Nigeria.

The panel session was moderated by NGYouthSDGs Communications Associate, Ms Praise Okezie. The session featured Ms Farida Yahya, Vice President of Shecluded, Mr Ebenezar Wikina, founder of Policy Shapers, and Ms Amaka Nwaokolo, Head of The FATE Institute. They shared how volunteering contributed to their personal and professional development and how young people can leverage volunteering for social impact.

Member of the European Union Youth Sounding Board in Nigeria, Ms Rafiat Atanda, highlighted some of the programmes available to young people like the Erasmus Mundus Masters Scholarship programme, Naija Talk Villa, amongst others.

The event also spotlighted volunteers from NGYouthSDGs and the European Union Youth Sounding Board -Nigeria sharing the impact of volunteering and ways through which youths can access global opportunities by leveraging the experiences and skills gained while volunteering.

The event also included a game session sponsored by RLabs Nigeria, and it came to a close with NGYouthSDG’s Director of Strategy and Programs, Ms Adenike Bamigbade, appreciating the volunteers, partners, and speakers for their time and contributions to making the 2023 International Volunteers Day Celebration a success.

You can watch the event highlight below: