Charity

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.