The Executive Director, Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative, Joshua Alade, has expressed optimism that in spite of the limited time left until the 2030 Agenda deadline, Nigeria can still achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) if everyone works together towards a common goal.
Alade spoke at the event to commemorate this year’s International Volunteers Day
in partnership with the European Union Youth Sounding Board in Nigeria (EUYSB) and RLabs Nigeria.
They have jointly commemorated this year’s International Volunteers Day by celebrating the contributions of volunteers towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Alade, stated that the event with the theme, ‘The Power of Collective Action: If Everyone Did’, was an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of young people and volunteers towards amplifying the work of NGYouthSDGs and advocating for meaningful youth engagement in policies and programs for youths to lead and thrive.
He said: “Young people are central to the work done by the organization as they are not just the leaders of tomorrow but today, passionate about creating systemic change that will help Nigeria achieve sustainable development.
“Our goal is to harness the limitless possibilities for sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond through volunteering for improved access to education, food, good health and well-being, a clean environment, inclusive and peaceful societies as well as decent work.
According to him, even though there is a limited time left until the 2030 Agenda deadline, there are still many ways for Nigeria and other countries to achieve sustainable development, if everyone works together and collaborates.”
Also speaking at the virtual meeting, the Programs Associate of the Initiative, Boluwatife Ajayi, stressed the need to amplify the voices of young Nigerians by ensuring that 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.
“Youth Activator Lab” is a one year revamped champions program for young people between the ages of 18 and 29, who desire to lead systemic change in Nigeria.
Member of the European Union Youth Sounding Board in Nigeria, Rafiat Atanda, highlighted some of the programmes available to young people like the Erasmus Mundus Masters Scholarship programme, Naija Talk Villa, amongst others.
The panel session was moderated by NGYouthSDGs Communications Associate, Praise Okezie, with the Vice President, Shecluded, Farida Yahya; Founder of Policy Shapers, Ebenezar Wikina and Head, The FATE Institute, Amaka Nwaokolo, highlighting how volunteering contributed to their personal and professional development and how young people can leverage volunteering for social impact.
The event also spotlighted volunteers from NGYouthSDGs and EUYSB-Nigeria sharing the impact of volunteering and ways through which youths can access global opportunities by leveraging the experiences and skills gained while volunteering.
NGYouthSDGs Director of Strategy and Programmes, Adenike Bamigbade, rounded off the virtual event by appreciating the volunteers, partners and speakers for their time and contributions towards ensuring that the 2023 International Volunteers Day Celebration was met with great acclaim.
