Taking Spaces and Making Spaces
Dear Friend,
I couldn’t wait to write to you again.
Knowing you connected so well with my last green letter showed me how important you are in the work we do in empowering young people to drive systemic change💗.
At the just-concluded Summit of the Future, the President of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Philemon Yunji Yang, made a profound statement. He said, ‘We must acknowledge the vital role of young people in shaping our future, ensuring that their voices are heard, their rights protected, and their potential realised.’
This statement is profound, and I see how it ties into the work we do. We take spaces to advocate for youth inclusion in decision-making tables and also create spaces that empower young people to lead and thrive.
Let me show you some of our groundwork where we take spaces and create spaces for young people in Nigeria.
Our latest project reports have just been released!!
Yes, you heard right!💃🎉
We just launched three of our project reports focused on building capacity for youth employment, driving climate action, and celebrating youth voices through the NGYouthSDGs Youth Day.
As an organisation, Every project we undertake is designed to equip and resource young people to advocate for and implement youth-led social action in communities across Nigeria📌.
We recognise the importance of doing the groundwork and the deep work, that is why our theory of change is hitched on a belief system that if young people are aware of their rights, they can effectively communicate, mobilise other young people as servant leaders in their communities, build alliances and engage with decision-makers to create programs and policies that will help youth lead and thrive.
Curious to take a look at the reports? I have made it easy for you. Simply click here to access them.
NGYouthSDGs with support from the German Missions in Nigeria is set to host the Nigeria Futures Summit 2024!
We are excited to inform you that with support from the German Missions in Nigeria, we are set to host the first edition of the Nigeria Futures Summit.
Why the Nigeria Futures Summit?
Ahead of the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan and the review of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions, we will be conveying youth civil society organisations, climate activists, policymakers, multilateral organisations, and private sector and other stakeholders to chart a path forward for Nigeria’s climate action priorities. The event is slated for the 8th to 9th October 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria which aims to highlight the critical role of young people in driving innovative solutions to addressing climate change and advocating for a sustainable future for present and future generations.
The Nigeria Futures Summit is part of a larger project called Empowering Youth Civil Society Organisations to Build Stronger Communities in Nigeria, #ClimateActionFor StrongerNaija. The project has so far provided capacity building for 150 youth civil society organisations leveraging the train-the-trainer model. As well as supporting 300 young people to understand Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions and how they can take action towards implementation in their communities and states.
Now is the time for Nigeria Futures Summit!!!
Clcik here to participate in-person on Wednesday, 9th October 2024.
To join us virtually, click here
For more information about the event, click here.
Youth-led Civil Society Organisations organise step-down training across Nigeria
Remember the 15 civil society organisations I mentioned earlier as part of the #ClimateActionForStrongerNaija Project?
Well, here's an exciting update from them! These CSOs recently organised a step-down training on Nigeria's National Climate Policies and Climate Action in communities across Ondo, Delta, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Enugu States over the past few weeks. This training enabled them to equip 150 civil society organisations within their respective states with the knowledge to take the lead in addressing climate change.
Moving forward, they will be hosting a community dialogue that brings together community leaders, diverse youth, stakeholders, and representatives of associations within each state. This dialogue aims to identify the unique climate and environmental challenges facing each community and explore diverse solutions to address them collaboratively.
This is our approach to resourcing youth movements and stakeholders in the communities, empowering them with knowledge, and enabling them to work together to develop solutions that tackle the climate change challenges they face. Learn more about the #ClimateActionForStrongerNaija Project here.
300 Nigerian youth complete intensive training on the National Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Nigerian Adaptation Plan (NAPs)
One interesting aspect of the #ClimateActionForStrongerNaija project is that it not only equip civil society organisations to take the lead in ensuring meaningful youth participation in the implementation of Nigeria's climate policies but it's also equipping young Nigerians with the right knowledge to take charge in Nigeria’s climate agenda.
We received an overwhelming 2,834 applications but we were able to take in 300 young people for the expert training, facilitated by climate practitioners on topics that included; Leveraging Technology and Media for Meaningful Youth Engagement, Identifying Stakeholders and Collaborating for a Sustainable Future, The Role of Youth Engagement in Climate Policy Implementation, and Understanding Nigeria’s climate policies.
We have compiled a snapshot of participant feedback - explore it here.
Step-down Training on combating the Youth Civic Desert in Enugu State Nigeria
After a series of training sessions with the civic champions, it was time for them to take the lead in training their volunteers!
The 5 civic champions of the Civic Leadership Programme successfully conducted a step-down training for their volunteers in Enugu State.
This train-the-trainer model was initiated to evaluate the effectiveness of the in-depth sessions they had with development professionals and also provide a platform for these young leaders to mobilise youth, including people with disabilities, to increase advocacy on understanding civic rights, engaging in civic processes, and working with lawmakers for nation-building. Learn more about the Civic Leadership programme here.
NGYouthSDGs attends its first task force meeting as one of the latest partners of UNICEF Generation Unlimited
As one of the latest partners of UNICEF Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), NGYouthSDGs participated in a task force meeting to connect with other partners and align our efforts to positively change youth narratives in Nigeria.
The Task Force Meeting and Partner update was held to address critical topics surrounding global youth employment trends, with a focus on the impact of youth unemployment, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where disparities exist between genders. This also was an avenue to introduce the upcoming project - Green Rising Initiative which is interlinked with the work we do in ensuring meaningful youth engagement through climate action, workplace readiness and community development.
Catch up on our partnership/task force meeting with Generation Unlimited here.
NGYouthSDGs Participate in Nigeria’s first in-country workshop focused on the National Launch of the NDC Project
Last month we honoured the invitation from the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) for Nigeria’s first in-country workshop focused on the National Launch of the NDC Project Checklist and it was indeed another moment to advocate for youth inclusion in preparations towards the NDC project.
Our participation at the workshop reflected our efforts in our ongoing project called the "Empowering Youth Civil Society to Build Stronger Communities in Nigeria" where we are equipping fifteen (15) youth civil society organisations from Ondo, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Delta, and Enugu with funding from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.
We were excited to share how our initiatives show the importance of young people as grassroots mobilisers in fostering stronger, more resilient communities through informed participation in climate-related initiatives. Catch up on the highlight here.
While we are taking spaces to engage in dialogues that foster youth development in Nigeria's development plan, we are also making spaces for young people to lead the change as servant leaders. Here’s a glimpse of the story.
NGYouthSDGs Youth Activators Lab Associate, Godwin Lasisi represents NGYouthSDGs in Nigeria’s UNGA ’79 Summit of the Future Technical Meeting.
The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President, of International Cooperation called on us to participate in the high-level technical meeting for the UNGA 79 Summit of the Future.
We trusted our amazing YAL Associate, Godwin Lasisi, to represent us in this gathering of stakeholders and policymakers, discussing Nigeria’s role in shaping the global future.
Godwin actively participated in discussions on global governance, climate change, peace and security, sustainable development and digital innovation - all aimed at positioning Nigeria for long-term prosperity. He shared insights on equipping youth through programs and policies that support Nigeria's development agenda for its youth population. The shared insights laid the groundwork for a collective Nigerian strategy aligned with global priorities and the recommendations of the UN Summit of the Future. Want to learn more about the conversation? Click here.
NGYouthSDGs Youth Activators Lab Associate, Morenikejimi Olaniran leads the panel discussion at the Youth Hub Africa and ActionAid Nigeria High-Level Youth Engagement Summit 2024.
In line with our commitment to youth development, we participated in the High-level Youth Engagement Summit organised by Youth Hub Africa and ActionAid, in Abuja Nigeria.
Our YAL Associate, Morenikejimi Olaniran, led a thought-provoking panel discussion that shed light on the challenges faced by young people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) when it comes to socio-economic development.
A major concern that emerged was the difficulty in accessing quality healthcare services, which disproportionately affects young people. Many participants shared their personal struggles, highlighting the systemic barriers that prevent them from receiving necessary medical care. This lack of access not only jeopardises their health but also hinders their potential for personal and professional growth.
Morenikejimi also emphasised some important points that are definitely worth checking out! Click here.
NGYouthSDGs CLiP champion mobilises the Association of People with Disabilities towards youth leadership in Enugu State.
We are excited to see our efforts to build trust between young people in Enugu East Senatorial District and their lawmakers yielding results! Our civic champions are putting their learnings on grassroot mobilisation into action, driving positive change.
Gabriel Edibo, a visually impaired civic champion, led an advocacy visit to the Association of People with Disabilities in Enugu State. They discussed the importance of understanding civic rights and engaging in democratic processes for a more inclusive society. This initiative has significantly increased participation from people with disabilities, elevating youth voices and building trust and civic cohesion. It’s heartening to see such dedication to inclusivity and youth leadership.
Volunteer of the Month!
Spot on our Volunteer of the Month!!!✨
Gabriel’s journey demonstrates that a conscious decision to be committed can have a ripple effect, inspiring others and leading to profound, positive change.
As a final-year law student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and a visually impaired individual, Gabriel has shown remarkable commitment to empowering young people to take positive action in his community. 🌍
In addition to leading his colleagues for an advocacy visit to the People with Disabilities Association in Enugu State, he also facilitated a radio interview with Dream FM, mobilised his peers, equipping them with knowledge on their civic rights, democracy, and youth leadership.
Gabriel story is really inspiring.
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!
Internal Opportunities:
Nigeria Futures Summit 2024!!!
👉Are you a thought leader on climate matters or a private/public organisation addressing climate change and interested in participating physically for day 2?
Here is an opportunity you should not miss.
NGYouthSDGs with support from the German Missions in Nigeria have put together the Nigeria Futures Summit 2024 which aims to strengthen the network of youth organisations working on sustainability and climate action and advocate for the inclusion of their voices in Nigeria’s national climate strategy.
Indicate your interest to participate in-person by filling out the form. Click here.
To join us virtually, click here
For more information about the event, click here.
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. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Programme
2. OXFAM paid Internship programme
3. Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Internship Programme
4. Information Management and Partnership Officer at IMMAP Nigeria
5. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Officer at IMMAP Nigeria
6. L’Oréal Fund for Women 2024
7. MWFAAN AgriTech Hackathon for Africans
8. Consultant for policy brief development in ActionAid Nigeria
9. 2025/2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University
Stay Connected with Us:
Dear Friend,
As I reflect on the highlights of this green letter in creating spaces for young people to be empowered to lead positive change, I am particularly inspired by Gabriel’s journey and resilience.
We'd love to hear from you - how can organisations ensure their programs and projects are more inclusive, creating spaces for people like Gabriel to thrive?
Feel free to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with us by simply writing back or dropping a comment💓.
This is so detailed and impressive 👏 thanks for putting so much in youth development and inclusion!
I did love to volunteer with the NGyouthSDSs, I will appreciate such an opportunity.