Great things in small actions
Dear Friend,
Welcome to November! Can you believe we’re already nearing the end of 2024? It feels like just yesterday we were setting our goals for the year. How quickly time flies! This rapid passage serves as a reminder of the urgency needed in our roles as youth leaders driving sustainable change.
As Coretta Scott King wisely said, “Little drops of water make the mighty ocean.” Similarly, Vincent Van Gogh once said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” These statements clearly communicate the importance of little actions. Little consistent actions towards a goal make a huge difference and at the end of the day leads to a transformative result.
As we approach the year's end, let’s seize the opportunity to take those small actions and also reflect on the incredible accomplishments we’ve achieved together throughout the year. In my next green letter, I’ll be sharing a compilation of my work so far, and I can’t wait for you to see how far we’ve come!
For now, I’d like to share some examples of these small actions—what you might refer to as 'NGYouthSDGs droplets'—that are coming together to create a mighty ocean of sustainable impact.
NGYouthSDGs hosts its Inaugural Nigeria Futures Summit
At the end of Day 2 of the Nigeria Futures Summit, a participant walked up to me and said, “This is the most timely convening I have ever attended.” The topic of the summit and the contributions from participants were indeed timely, and I nodded in agreement because it was absolutely true!
Ahead of the 29th Conference of the Parties (CO29), which will be held this month in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the review of the Nationally Determined Contributions in February 2025, NGYouthSDGs, with support from the Embassy of the German Government in Nigeria, organised the inaugural Nigeria Futures Summit on 8th-9th October, 2024.
The summit, themed “Empowering Youth Civil Societies to Build Stronger Communities,” aligns with the ongoing project under the hashtag #ClimateActionForStrongerNaija. This two-day event was a rich gathering that brought together youth-led Civil Society Organizations, climate advocates, representatives of embassies to Nigeria, and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s climate action efforts.
Some of the highlights of the Nigeria Futures Summit included presentations of project progress by the 15 Civil Society Organisations involved in the #ClimateActionForStrongerNaija project, as well as plenary discussions exploring Nigeria’s priorities for COP 29 and community issues related to effective climate action advocacy.
The Nigeria Futures Summit was not just a dialogue filled with speeches; it was a platform for learning and actionable steps. I have put together a comprehensive article to take you through the journey of the summit. Don’t hesitate to share it with someone who will find it resourceful.
Catch up on the replay of the day 2, TV news report and highlights of the Nigeria Futures Summit. Click here.
Youth Civil Society Organisations Leading Climate Action in Communities
Reflecting on the little droplets that create a mighty ocean, the other day, I was reviewing the communications folder of the Civil Society Organisations involved in the “Empowering Youth Civil Societies to Build Stronger Communities in Nigeria” project, implemented in Ondo, Delta, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Enugu states. I couldn’t help but admire the groundwork these organisations have laid in addressing the adverse effects of climate change and advocating for climate-resilient measures to be implemented by the government and private organsaitions.
At the Nigeria Futures Summit, they highlighted how human activities exacerbate Nigeria’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change.
These activities encompass waste disposal on streets, in drainages, and waterways in Enugu, Ondo and Kaduna states.
The detrimental impacts of continuous mining of mineral resources in Nasarrawa State.
The vandalisation of oil pipelines and inadequately designed drainage systems in the Delta State.
Collectively these factors contribute to flooding, irregular rainfall, landslides, drought, diminished quality and quantity of food produced and loss of biodiversity.
Despite these challenges, these CSOs have put up a resileint spirit, summounting the persistent challenges and raising awareness about environmental sustainability.
The next thing is that the CSOs will be working together to co-create a Local Adaptation Plan of Action that takes into consideration Nigeria’s climate polies and addresses the effect of climate change within their local context. Stay tuned form more information about these leading organisations.
Youth Rise for the Planet: NGYouthSDGs Leads Climate Charge
We are super excited to announce the conclusion and graduation of 300 young Nigerians from the youth version of the #ClimateActionForStrongerNaija Project. After weeks of immersive training on Nigeria’s National Climate Policies, Youth Engagement in Climate Policy Implementation, Leveraging Technology and Media for Meaningful Youth Engagement, and Identifying Stakeholders and Collaborating for a Sustainable Future, these young leaders have been equipped with the knowledge for climate advocacy and also to address the unique impacts of climate change in their communities.
One notable point clearly stated by our Founder, Joshua Alade at the graduation is that “Now that you have gained the skills and knowledge, it’s not about the certificate. It is time to engage in Nigeria’s climate priorities and agenda.” Catch the replay of the graduation here.
Building Trust and Civic Cohesion in Enugu State
In October, the Civic Champions of the Elevating Youth Voices, Building Trust, and Civic Cohesion Project in Enugu State convened a Focus Group Discussion with youth representatives from various Local Government Areas. The purpose of the discussion was to gain deeper insights into youth leadership and civic engagement within the state. Youth groups came together to express their pain points and concerns hindering their interaction with lawmakers and participation in civic processes.
Do you know that youth under 30 constitute 60% of the population, yet only a small percentage is involved in governance? The Civic Leadership Programme The Civic Leadership Program is part of NGYouthSDGs efforts to tackle the issues of civic apathy and the underrepresentation of young people in decision-making processes within their communities.
Young people make up an integral part of communities across the country; hence, it's essential to equip them with the necessary skills and provide opportunities to engage directly with their lawmakers, thereby enhancing community development and youth leadership.
This project is supported by the Nigeria Futures Fund and Leap Africa. For more information, please visit here.
Youth leadership in action: Youth Activators Lab Program
From where we stand, we reflect on the profound impact of the Youth Activators Lab Program, and we see the growth, capacity, and development of young Nigerians. The Youth Activators Lab, formerly known as the Champions Program, began in 2019 and was rebranded in 2023.
In just a few years, the YAL program has directly impacted 105 youth leaders who are actively addressing developmental challenges in their communities and throughout Nigeria.
In addition to comprehensive training, participants have the opportunity to:
Engage with global change leaders, gaining insight into their journeys in development.
Understudy NGYouthSDGs program planning and implementation process.
Volunteer for NGYouthSDGs programs implementation.
Initiate impactful projects in their communities.
Receive guidance and recommendations for global opportunities.
Connect with a vibrant alumni community for continuous support.
Opportunity to represent NGYouthSDGs at dialogues, summits, UN meetings, and youth-focused gatherings both within and outside Nigeria.
The Youth Activators Lab serves as a platform that bridges the gap in youth involvement in community development, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to become effective change leaders, and influencing youth-focused policies. This initiative contributes to Nigeria’s Development Plan and drives sustainable development. Visit yal.nigerianyouthsdgs.org to learn more.
Pact for the Future and Youth Perspectives
You know, in September 2024, world leaders gathered at the United Nations Assembly to adopt the Pact for the Future. A document containing their collective pledges to building a safe and sustainable future for all.
But the question remains, after the Adoption of the Pact for the Future,
What’s next?
NGYouthSDGs and the United Nations in Nigeria organised a webinar to critically address the urgent need for youth leadership and explore how the UN system can support young Nigerians as active participants in shaping their future, drawing insights from the Pact for the Future.
It was a moment for young Nigerians to dialogue and share their perspectives and it relates to the different pledges in the Pact for the Future. Catch up on the insights shared at the webinar here
Spot on our Volunteer of the Month!🎊
Victoria Imaji’s commitment has demonstrated that teamwork thrives when every member takes responsibility.
As a civic champion on the Civic Leadership Programme by #NGYouthSDGs supported by Nigeria Future Funds and Leap Africa, we have witnessed how Victoria actively supports her colleagues on the project, mobilising young people and ensuring diverse youth groups are represented in discussions and convenings in Enugu State.
According to Victoria, volunteering as a civic champion has provided her with valuable insights through extensive sessions on and discussions on youth leadership and civic processes. She has also had the opportunity to connect with local government officials, fostering trust-building between young people and their leaders in Enugu State.
Lease some kind wish for Victoria.🎊
Have you seen our latest resource?
We developed a shadow report on young people and the SDGs. This report is a research-based, data-driven document that provides insights into the involvement of youth in the progress of achieving the SDGs, identifying gaps and offering recommendations.
You can access this resource here.
NGYouthSDGs Opportunity Corner – Your Gateway to Growth and Impact!
In our effort to promote meaningful engagement of young people, we have curated various opportunities for you to explore, beyond our network.
Here’s us cheering you on and wishing you the best of luck with your applications!
External Opportunities
Disclaimer: We do not claim any ownership or legal rights to the external opportunities shared. They are provided solely to promote meaningful engagement of young people.
1. Nigeria Youth Futures Fund Youth Leadership Development Fund.
2. Program Coordinator at OXFAM, Abuja Nigeria
3. Creative & Communications Associate at Promad Foundation
4. Federal Government of Nigeria MSME intervention program
5. Legacy Conference 2024 by Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network
6. Planetry Health Campus Ambassador Program
7. National Directorate of Employment Renewed Hope Employment Opportunity
8. Nigeria LNG Scholarship for undergraduates
9. Civicus Alliance Digital Lab Grant Application
10. Obama Foundation Scholars Program
Dear Friend❤,
Before I leave, I want you to know that Nigeria, like every other developing country in the Global South, is at a critical juncture that requires urgent actions to drive development and increase opportunities for economic growth.
Your small efforts can create a mighty ocean of sustainable impact. Start where you are and use what you have. I am rooting for you! See you soon.