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Congratulations to you His Excellency Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe

Honourable Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Kwara State On Your Historic Emergence as Chairman, Committee of Commissioners of Education of the Federation of Nigeria (COSCEN) On behalf of the National Executive Council, Board of Trustees, State Coordinators, volunteers, mentors, and the thousands of young people whose lives have been touched by your visionary leadership, the Young and Gifted Youths Development Initiative (YAGYDI) rejoices with you today with hearts full of pride, gratitude, and renewed hope. Your unanimous emergence as Chairman of Nigeria’s Committee of State Commissioners of Education is not merely an appointment; it is a national endorsement of excellence, integrity, innovation, and selfless service. It is the crowning recognition of a man who has consistently placed the future of Nigeria’s children and youths above every other consideration. In Kwara State, you have rewritten the story of education and human capital development in ways that will be studied for generations. From the revolutionary digital literacy drive that has reached the most remote villages, to the teacher capacity-building programmes that have restored dignity to the teaching profession; from the solar-powered smart classrooms to the inclusive policies that brought thousands of out-of-school girls back into learning environments; from the vocational and entrepreneurial hubs that are turning young dreams into thriving enterprises; to the deliberate investment in children, your footprints are bold, indelible, and inspiring. Today, the entire nation stands to benefit from the same passion, intellect, and result-oriented leadership that transformed Kwara into a shining example. As you take the mantle of leadership at COSCEN at this critical juncture in Nigeria’s educational journey, we do not doubt that you will unite Commissioners across party, regional, and ideological lines to birth a new era of collaboration, accountability, and measurable progress. Your Excellency, YAGYDI has watched you closely—not from a distance, but as a proud partner in the trenches. We have seen how you personally attend to the concerns of young people, how you listen, how you act, and how you inspire everyone around you to aim higher. That is the spirit you are taking to the national stage, and we are confident it will ignite a renaissance in Nigeria’s education sector. As an organisation dedicated to SDG 4 and beyond, and to the empowerment of Nigerian youths, we are particularly excited because your chairmanship signals brighter days ahead for talent development, innovation in education, STEM advocacy, creative arts, leadership training, and equitable access—causes you have championed with uncommon fervour. Once again, Congratulations, Your Excellency Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, a thoroughbred scholar, administrator par excellence, youth champion, and nation-builder, on this well-deserved honour.

Charity, Education, Innovation

Young and Gifted Youths Development Initiative Formally Launches University of Ilorin Chapter with Inaugural Open Mic Event

The Young and Gifted Youths Development Initiative (YAGYDI) will today formally establish its University of Ilorin Chapter, marking a significant step in expanding its mission to empower and mobilize student leaders across tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The launch of the YAGYDI Unilorin Chapter will take place today at 12:00 p.m. at Affinity Hub, Liyah Gold Building, opposite Bovas Filling Station, Oke-Odo, Ilorin. The event will serve as both the official inauguration of the chapter and the debut of Open Mic, a signature platform designed to facilitate unfiltered dialogue, creative expression, and leadership development among young people. The launch event will be centered on the theme “Youth Leadership in SDGs: Things We Never Talk About,” highlighting the initiative’s commitment to addressing the critical yet often overlooked challenges that impede effective youth participation in sustainable development. This discussion will be led by a distinguished panel of discussants, including Salman Opeyemi Sulaiman, Taofeeq Alata, Princewell Nnadziem, and Qareebat Ibrahim, who will explore the unspoken barriers, structural limitations, and strategic gaps within youth leadership. The event will also feature performances by a select group of artists, spoken-word poet Fadaka, musician Timothy Oluwamayomikun Adediran, comedian Abdool, and singer ZIA, demonstrating the integral role of creative expression in YAGYDI’s programming. The establishment of the University of Ilorin Chapter represents a deliberate effort to institutionalize YAGYDI’s work within the academic community, creating a sustainable framework for student-led initiatives focused on leadership development, policy advocacy, and community impact. The Open Mic platform, launched as part of this chapter, will serve as the primary mechanism for convening regular forums where young leaders can engage in substantive discussions, challenge prevailing narratives, and articulate actionable solutions.“This launch marks the beginning of a purposeful and structured engagement with students at the University of Ilorin,” said representatives of the Young and Gifted Youths Development Initiative. “The YAGYDI Unilorin Chapter, through its Open Mic platform, will provide a consistent and dedicated space for young people to address the critical issues that are often sidelined in mainstream conversations about leadership and development.”The event will combine moderated panel discussions with spoken word performances, music, and comedy, creating an environment that encourages both intellectual rigor and creative participation. By establishing the University of Ilorin Chapter, YAGYDI aims to build a network of empowered student leaders equipped to contribute meaningfully to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Charity, Donation, Education, Health, Innovation

YAGYDI Officially Launches University of Ilorin Chapter

The Young and Gifted Youths Development Initiative (YAGYDI) proudly announces the official launch of its University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Chapter on Saturday, 29 November 2025, in a vibrant celebration of youth creativity, leadership, and sustainable development. The historic launch will be marked by a high-energy, themed Open Mic & Chapter Inauguration. “Youth Leadership in SDGs: Things We Never Talk About”, held at the Affinity Hub, Liyah Gold Building (opposite Bovas Filling Station), Oke-Odo, Ilorin, starting at 12:00 noon. This landmark event will feature electrifying performances of Spoken Word, Music, and Comedy, while formally unveiling the UNILORIN Chapter executive team led by Timothy Adediran, who will serve as the as the Pioneer Chapter President pioneer. Speaking ahead of the launch, Timothy Adediran said: UNILORIN has always been a cradle of excellence and innovation. Launching YAGYDI here is not just about establishing a chapter; it’s about igniting a movement of purposeful, SDG-driven young leaders who will redefine what youth engagement looks like in Nigeria and across Africa. This Open Mic is the spark; the fire comes next.”The event will bring together students, creatives, student union leaders, faculty representatives, and youth advocates for an afternoon of raw talent, bold conversations, and strategic networking. Attendees will also gain exclusive insight into YAGYDI’s 2025–2026 roadmap for the campus, including mentorship programs, SDG advocacy projects, skill acquisition bootcamps, and global opportunity linkages. Event Highlights   Date: Saturday, 29th November 2025 Time: 12:00 PM (Red carpet starts at 11:30 AM) Venue: Affinity Hub, Liyah Gold Building, opposite Bovas Filling Station, Oke-Odo, Tanke, Ilorin Dress Code: Creative | Touch of Purple or Orange. Admission is FREE, but registration is encouraged. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.So get a ticket, it’s limited slot and it’s free: https://tix.africa/yagydiopenmic This launch comes just days after YAGYDI UNILORIN’s active participation in the university’s 50th Anniversary Walk and amid the organization’s ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, signaling a powerful season of impact on and beyond campus. #YAGYDIxUNILORIN #YouthLeadership #SDGsUnfiltered #BetterByFar

Uncategorized

YAGYDI Ignites Global Call to Action with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Ilorin, Nigeria, 25 November 2025; Today, as the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Young and Gifted Youths Development Initiative (YAGYDI) launches its robust nationwide campaign for the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.This initiative, spearheaded by the organization as a whole, reaffirms YAGYDI’s steadfast dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 5, Gender Equality, by mobilizing young Africans to confront and eradicate the pervasive scourge of gender-based violence (GBV). Aligned with the global theme “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”, YAGYDI’s campaign emphasizes prevention through education, community engagement, and policy advocacy. Drawing on its pan-African roots, the organization will deploy a multi-pronged strategy across Nigeria and beyond, empowering youth aged 15–40 to lead transformative change in their communities. YAGYDI Founder and Executive Director Kamal Ashimiyu stated: “Gender-based violence silences dreams, fractures families, and stifles progress, yet it is preventable. At YAGYDI, we are equipping our young leaders with the tools to break cycles of harm, from digital literacy against online abuse to grassroots dialogues on consent and equality. This 16 Days, we unite under the orange banner to declare: No more excuses. Invest in prevention today for a violence-free tomorrow.” From 25 November to 10 December 2025, YAGYDI’s flagship activities include: YAGYDI extends a heartfelt call to action for individuals, organizations, and policymakers: Wear orange, amplify voices, report incidents, and advocate for survivor-centric policies. “Every shared story, every signed petition, every safe space created brings us closer to equity,” Kamal emphasized. The organization is particularly focused on amplifying marginalized voices, including those of youth, rural women, and persons with disabilities, who face compounded risks. This campaign builds on YAGYDI’s legacy of SDG-driven impact, from youth employability programs to climate justice advocacy, ensuring gender equality remains at the forefront of Africa’s development narrative.#EndGBV #GenderEquality #UNiTE #16DaysOfActivism

Education, Innovation, Volunteer

YAGYDI UNILORIN Chapter Joins Throngs in Historic UNILORIN@50 Walk, Forging Pathways for Youth Leadership and Collaboration.

Ilorin, Nigeria – November 25, 2025 – In a colourful display of unity and forward momentum, the Young and Gifted Youths Development Initiative (YAGYDI) UNILORIN Chapter proudly represented its burgeoning community of young leaders during the University of Ilorin’s (UNILORIN) landmark 50th Anniversary Walk on Monday, November 24, 2025. Led by Interim President Timothy Adediran, a multitalented Plant Biology student and youth advocate at UNILORIN, the chapter’s participation underscored YAGYDI’s commitment to nurturing 21st-century skills, fostering global citizenship, and building bridges among Africa’s emerging talents. The anniversary walk, which kicked off at 7:00 a.m. from the University Roundabout, drew thousands of staff, students, alumni, and community members in a city-wide procession symbolizing resilience, progress, and shared heritage. Spearheaded by Vice-Chancellor Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, the event transformed Ilorin’s streets into a sea of green and gold, the university’s iconic colors, as participants marched toward a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Eminence, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, seeking royal blessings for the institution’s next half-century. Described by eyewitnesses as an “electric” gathering pulsing with energy, the walk not only commemorated UNILORIN’s founding in 1975 as a beacon of academic excellence but also highlighted its evolution into Nigeria’s premier “Better by Far” university, known for zero-zero-strike history, innovative research, and a student population exceeding 50,000. For YAGYDI UNILORIN, the occasion was more than a celebratory step; it was a strategic one toward empowerment. Adediran, a seasoned storyteller, public speaker, and founder of the child advocacy platform SPEAK FOR A CHILD, spearheaded the chapter’s involvement to cultivate connections with fellow students, alum leaders, and university stakeholders. “As we walked shoulder-to-shoulder with the UNILORIN family, we weren’t just marking 50 years of excellence; we were planting seeds for collaborative futures,” Adediran shared. “YAGYDI is about turning young potential into purposeful action, and events like this remind us that true leadership blooms in community.Our presence here amplifies voices for sustainable development, from SDG-aligned mentorships to advocacy for equitable educational rights here in the heart of Ilorin. Founded by a UK-based, African-led nonprofit with deep roots in Nigeria, YAGYDI champions youth aged 15-40 through targeted programs aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The organization’s multifaceted initiatives include mentorship networks that pair emerging talent with global professionals; SDG research and community advocacy campaigns tackling issues such as youth unemployment and digital literacy; and workshops on sustainable employability, career development, and international leadership. Since its official launch on the UNILORIN campus earlier this year, an electrifying open mic event is coming up on Saturday at the Affinity Hub, Ilorin, to showcase aspiring artists and activists.YAGYDI UNILORIN has rapidly grown into a hub for purpose-driven innovation, hosting webinars on academic development and calls for specialized volunteers to amplify African youth’s impact worldwide. Adediran’s leadership exemplifies YAGYDI’s ethos. As a content marketer and photographer passionate about mindset shifts for leadership growth, he has shared insights on platforms like LinkedIn, from overcoming invisibility in professional spaces to leveraging poetry for social change. His interim presidency at the chapter positions YAGYDI to deepen ties within UNILORIN’s ecosystem, including potential partnerships with the university’s entrepreneurship centers and alums networks. During the walk, Adediran and fellow members engaged in spirited dialogues with student union executives, faculty mentors, and alums trailblazers, laying the groundwork for joint ventures in youth skill-building and community outreach. This participation aligns seamlessly with UNILORIN’s golden jubilee theme, “The Light Shines Brighter,” which spotlights the institution’s enduring contributions to national development—from groundbreaking agricultural research to cultural preservation initiatives. As celebrations continue with a thanksgiving service, film premiere of “Son of Iron,” and a grand finale lecture on November 27, YAGYDI UNILORIN reaffirms its role in illuminating pathways for the next generation. YAGYDI invites UNILORIN students, alums, and Ilorin residents to join upcoming events, including a webinar series on AI ethics and youth equity. For more information or to volunteer, visit ynginitiative.org. About Young and Gifted Youths Development Initiative (YAGYDI) YAGYDI is a trailblazing nonprofit dedicated to empowering African youth with essential life skills, mentorship, and global opportunities. Operating from Ilorin, Nigeria, we drive SDG-focused programs that foster employability, advocacy, and leadership, ensuring every young voice shapes a brighter tomorrow. Learn more at www.ynginitiative.org Contact: Timothy Adediran Interim President, YAGYDI UNILORIN Email: contact@yagydi.org Phone: +234 07070402064

Innovation

YAGYDI Partners with Affinity Innovative Hub to Empower Young Innovators in Ilorin

As part of its expanding commitment to youth development and sustainable innovation, the Young and Gifted Youths Development Initiative (YAGYDI) has announced a new partnership with Affinity Innovative Hub in Ilorin. The collaboration aims to achieve SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), reflecting YAGYDI’s belief that transformation starts when local organizations work together to create opportunities. For YAGYDI, this partnership is more than just a formal agreement; it’s an opportunity to connect education with employability and technology with purpose. The initiative will offer young people access to mentorship, digital literacy programs, and entrepreneurship training—practical tools to help them navigate a rapidly changing world. Talking about the collaboration, Kamal Alao Ashimiyu, founder of YAGYDI, called the partnership one of the organization’s most strategic alliances to date. “Our partnership with Affinity Innovative Hub in Ilorin is one of our most practical collaborations,” Ashimiyu said. “Affinity serves as both a development partner and a technical hub for YAGYDI. They provide us with space, tools, and expertise to run our programs more effectively, especially those focused on education, innovation, and digital empowerment.” Under this partnership, Affinity Innovative Hub will assist YAGYDI in organizing mentorship sessions, workshops, and personal development programs that help young people develop employable skills and start innovative ventures. “For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Affinity supports our efforts to prepare youth for employment and entrepreneurship. Through training, networking, and incubation programs, we help participants turn their ideas into sustainable businesses or find meaningful careers,” he explained. YAGYDI’s partnership model is based on the belief that collaboration amplifies impact. By working with organizations like Affinity, YAGYDI demonstrates that sustainable growth depends not only on resources but also on relationships and the right partnerships that connect vision with action execution. “This collaboration embodies what YAGYDI stands for: connecting people, organizations, and opportunities,” Ashimiyu said. “Together, we’re showing that when local organizations cooperate, we can create stronger systems that genuinely empower young people and build stronger communities.” Through this alliance, YAGYDI hopes to make Ilorin a centre of youth-led innovation, where creativity, education, and entrepreneurship converge. As the partnership unfolds, the organization remains focused on its broader mission, turning the potential of young Africans into tangible progress through education, leadership, and collaboration.

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