Abuja, Nigeria – On August 12th and 13th, 2024, the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs), in collaboration with its partners—Oxfam in Nigeria, African Activists for Climate Justice, the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), the United Nations in Nigeria, Amnesty International Nigeria, Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi), and Connected Development (CODE)—organised a successful two-day event to commemorate the 2024 International Youth Day.
The event, themed “From Awareness to Action: Empowering Youth in Nigeria for the SDGs,” brought together over 350 participants, including young people, youth stakeholders, civil society organisations, government officials, and private sector representatives.
A press conference was held by NGYouthSDGs and Oxfam in Nigeria with newsmen to briefly highlight the significance of the International Youth Day event in increasing advocacy for youth inclusion and celebrating the meaningful contribution of young people.
Giving the opening remark at the event, the Country Director of Oxfam in Nigeria, Mr John Makina stated the importance of youth empowerment, stressing the need for strategic collaboration with young people. “Youths are not the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today, a sustainable future is one in which young people are included.” – Mr John Makina.
Mr Joshua Alade, the Executive Director of NGYouthSDGs, emphasised the significant efforts of the organisation in his welcome address, noting how it has brought together young Nigerians, the private sector, policymakers, and CSOs since 2017. He underscored the need to ensure that young people have the opportunity to participate in policies and programs that empower them to lead and thrive. According to Joshua, “The road to 2030 and beyond is paved by our voices, actions, innovation, and priorities. Young Nigerians desire a future where no one is left behind, where quality education is accessible, and where the environment is protected.
Goodwill messages and remarks followed from several representatives of the public and private sectors, including Mr Mathias Dold, Head of the Political Section at the German Embassy in Nigeria; Ms Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiative; Ms Oluwakemi Gbadamosi, NGYouthSDGs Advisory Board Member and founder of GEAI; Comr. Dotun Omoleye, representing the Honourable Minister of State, Mr Chigozie Okwara
SA to the Hon Minister of Youth Development, Lady Diana Eyo-Enoette, SSA to the Delta State Governor on the SDGs; Dr Babatunde Adelekan Representative from United Nations Interagency Youth Group and other public and private sector representatives.
The event featured panel sessions, fireside chats, and workshops on key topics such as the intersectionality of gender and climate, understanding climate negotiation, addressing gaps in youth and democracy, and digital green skills for social action, among others.
A highlight of the International Youth Day event was the 2024 Youth Spotlight Award, which recognised and celebrated ten young changemakers who are driving positive action in their communities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. These emerging leaders include Muhammad Usman, Founder of the Young Developer Foundation; Pelemo Nyajo, Founder & Creator of Disability with Pel; Ruth Ki, Founder of the African Jewels Development Initiative; Nature-Iboro Edet, Founder of Humanity’s Voice and Empowerment Foundation; David Ezeonyekwere, Founder of Dece Agro & Farms; Yusuf Armayau, Coordinator of UN SDSN Youth; Morenikejimi Olaniran, Program Manager at the Centre for Teens Health and Development; and Chinonso Okafor, Executive Director of Raise Humanity Initiative. Learn more about their contribution to sustainable development, here.
The 2024 International Youth Day event served as a platform to raise awareness and call for urgent action on youth empowerment, inclusive policy implementation, and youth-led initiatives for the SDGs. This event reaffirms our commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the meaningful engagement of young people through programs and policies that empower them to lead and thrive.
Kindly click here to access the replay of the event.
