August 13, 2025
The Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) joins the global community in celebrating International Youth Day 2025 under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”. This day is a powerful reminder of the invaluable role young people play in driving sustainable development, fostering peace, and shaping inclusive futures—both within their communities and on the global stage.
This year’s theme underscores the transformative potential of grassroots, youth-led initiatives in accelerating the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while also envisioning a post-2030 agenda where young people remain central to decision-making and implementation.
Young people are not just the future—they are the present changemakers. From climate action to entrepreneurship, from peacebuilding to innovation, youth are already implementing solutions that are transforming lives. What they need now is sustained investment, mentorship, and inclusion in governance at all levels.
In a statement, Zainab Nasir Ahmad, Executive Director of YOSPIS, noted that over the years, Nigerian youth have initiated and led transformative projects, from community health campaigns and environmental clean-ups to digital literacy programs and civic engagement drives. In Kano alone, youth groups have been instrumental in addressing drug abuse, improving menstrual hygiene awareness, and promoting voter participation among first-time voters. However, despite these remarkable contributions, progress is hindered by structural barriers, unemployment, underfunded educational systems, and limited access to financial and technical resources.
YOSPIS is calling on stakeholders to:
The Government to allocate dedicated budget lines for youth development across all ministries.
The Kano State Government to enact the 2025 Youths and Sports Law with a dedicated Youth Development Trust Fund to ensure sustainable funding for youth initiatives.
The Private sector to expand corporate social responsibility programs targeting youth empowerment.
Development partners to channel more funding to community-based youth initiatives.
Communities and families to support and encourage young people’s participation in local decision-making.
The call for greater investment is particularly urgent as the 2030 SDG deadline approaches. Without amplifying local youth-led solutions, the world risks missing critical development targets—with young people bearing the brunt of the consequences.
Miss Ahmad added, “The SDG goals are not abstract targets; they are about access to clean water, decent jobs, quality education, and safe communities. These are issues we confront daily at the grassroots level. Supporting us means accelerating progress for everyone.”
About YOSPIS
The Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering young people through education, advocacy, and community development programs. YOSPIS works in partnership with government agencies, civil society, and international partners to address health, social, and economic challenges facing youth in Nigeria.
Signed
Zainab Nasir Ahmad
Executive Director
Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS)
