Volunteer

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