About Us

African Skilled Youth Advocacy for Sustainable Development (ASYASD) is a youth-led empowerment and policy advocacy organisation established in 2018 by Dr. Yewande Omikunle during her doctoral studies in Public Policy at the University of Abuja. Incorporated as a non-governmental organisation (RC 111258), ASYASD is dedicated to advancing sustainable development goals through strategic policy advocacy, capacity building, and the promotion of youth-led innovation.

Our core mandate is to influence government decision-making at all levels, local, state, and federal, to adopt policies that foster economic growth, quality education, inclusive health systems, social development, and gender inclusion. We are passionate about transforming young people into catalysts of national development by harnessing their creativity, skills, and leadership potential.

ASYASDEI is deeply committed to youth empowerment and capacity building as pivotal strategies for sustainable development. Recognising youth as catalysts of transformative change, we emphasise the critical potential of young people as highly productive, creative, and innovative human resources. Much like dynamite, this potential can yield tremendous societal benefits when effectively harnessed through positive policy frameworks and supportive environments.

However, without deliberate and strategic policy intervention to nurture and guide youth development, there is a risk of increased social challenges and vices arising from unmet needs and lack of opportunities. ASYASD’s policy advocacy efforts directly address these concerns by championing national and sub-national reforms aimed at reducing youth unemployment and promoting inclusive economic participation.

Through sustained collaboration with government agencies and civil society organisations, ASYASD advocates for policies that prioritise advocacy skills training and capacity building, enabling unemployed youth, especially those lacking relevant skills, to access tailored educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Our advocacy underscores the need for comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to youth development policies that empower the next generation as integral contributors to nation-building and social stability.

Our Mission

To empower youth through advocacy, capacity building, and strategic partnerships with government and civil society, promoting policy reforms that advance economic opportunity, quality education, health equity, and gender inclusion for sustainable development.

Our Vision

To be Africa’s leading youth-driven platform that empowers skilled young leaders to influence inclusive policies and drive sustainable social and economic development.

Our Core Values

Evidence-Based Advocacy
Youth Empowerment
Inclusive Development
Integrity and Accountability
Collaboration and Partnership
Innovation and Creativity
Sustainability

Our Services

Capacity Building & Entrepreneurship Development Training

We design and deliver tailored training programs aimed at enhancing the skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial capabilities of youth and community groups. Our practical workshops and mentorship sessions foster innovation, economic empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.

Communication, Public Affairs & Campaign Management

To be Africa’s leading youth-driven platform that empowers skilled young leaders to influence inclusive policies and drive sustainable social and economic development.

Health, Education & Gender Policy Consultancy

ASYASD provides expert consultancy services to governments, NGOs, and development partners on policy formulation, review, and implementation in health, education, and gender inclusion sectors. We specialise in evidence-based policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and aligning programs with sustainable development goals.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) & Sustainable Development Advisory

ASYASD offers professional services in conducting environmental impact assessments to guide sustainable project planning and implementation. We integrate ecological considerations with social equity, ensuring that development initiatives promote environmental stewardship alongside economic and social progress.

Leadership Development & Youth Empowerment

We empower youth and organisational leaders through leadership training, capacity building, and empowerment initiatives. Our programs nurture confident, strategic leaders who can drive change and participate effectively in governance, policy making, and community development.

Navigating Political & Policy Landscapes

Leveraging a deep understanding of political systems and stakeholder dynamics, ASYASD guides clients in navigating complex policy environments. We provide strategic advice to optimise campaign timing, messaging, and engagement with key decision-makers to achieve desired policy outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building

Facilitating multi-sectoral partnerships, we bring together government agencies, civil society, private sector actors, and community groups to build collaborative coalitions. These alliances strengthen advocacy effectiveness and promote inclusive policy dialogues.

Research, Analysis & Monitoring

Conducting rigorous qualitative and quantitative research, we analyse policy issues, monitor government commitments, and evaluate program impacts. This data underpins our advocacy campaigns and supports informed decision-making for clients across sectors.

Policy Advocacy Strategy Development & Implementation

We partner with government bodies at all levels to develop effective advocacy strategies focused on legislative reforms, budget allocation, and program improvement. Our approach includes comprehensive research and analysis, coalition-building, stakeholder mobilisation, and crafting persuasive policy briefs and communication materials that influence policy discourse.

Our Board of Trustees

Leadership Team of African Skilled Youth Advocacy for Sustainable Development (ASYASDEI)

Dr. Yewande Omikunle-Ogunbiyi

Founder

Dr. Yewande Omikunle-Ogunbiyi is a distinguished intellectual, policy analyst, and champion of youth empowerment and community development in Nigeria. As the visionary founder and Executive Director of African Skilled Youth Advocacy for Sustainable Development (ASYASD), she leads a committed team of policy experts dedicated to transformative social impact.

Dr. Omikunle-Ogunbiyi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Igbinedion University, Okada (2010), a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Ibadan (2014), and earned her PhD in Public Policy Analysis from the University of Abuja (2022). Her rigorous academic training has endowed her with a deep understanding of the interplay between politics, law, and government institutions, equipping her with valuable insights into policy formulation and public administration. Throughout her academic journey, she has conducted extensive quantitative and qualitative research and honed her expertise during internships with international agencies and think tanks across Nigeria.

Her analytical acumen spans government operations, political systems, foreign relations, and policy advisement. Dr. Omikunle-Ogunbiyi is adept at interpreting complex political theories, assessing international affairs, and translating these analyses into actionable policy goals and recommendations. She has made significant contributions to healthcare policy development in Nigeria, working closely with government agencies at multiple levels to advocate for and negotiate policy outcomes. Additionally, her skills extend to financial data analysis and evaluating the effectiveness of public projects and programs.

In 2018, she spearheaded a landmark advocacy initiative that empowered over 5,000 unemployed Nigerian graduates. This program, implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, SMEDAN, and the Abuja Enterprises Development Agency, facilitated access to microloans and MSME development resources, significantly advancing youth economic empowerment nationwide.

Dr. Omikunle-Ogunbiyi’s extensive NGO experience includes leadership and advisory roles at Trans-Global Gender Empowerment Initiative, Partners West Africa Nigeria, Good Growth Youth Empowerment Initiative, Spins Consulting Services, AMA Life Initiative, African Peace Foundation, and presently the Sarah Ayoka Oduwaiye Foundation. A passionate advocate for health, she promotes breast cancer awareness and champions health policy reforms to improve screening access across Nigeria.

She is married with two children and remains a leading voice in policy advocacy, gender inclusion, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development.

Barr. Jude Amaechi

Legal & Human Rights Advisor

Barr. Amaechi is a seasoned lawyer with extensive expertise in legal affairs and human rights advocacy. He holds a B.A. in Law from the University of Ibadan and an MBA in Consulting from Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. As head of the Legal and Human Rights Unit, he effectively oversees all legal engagements of ASYASDEI and serves as the company secretary.

Dr. Ameh Stephen

Director of Health Policy

Dr. Stephen is an accomplished health policy expert currently affiliated with the National Health Insurance Scheme. He earned a B.Sc. in Political Science from the University of Jos, an M.Sc. in Social Protection Financing from the University of Mauritius (2014), and a PhD in Public Policy Analysis from the University of Abuja. His expertise drives ASYASDEI’s health policy agenda.

Dr. Jude Femi

Director of Education Policy

Dr. Femi is a veteran educationist and lecturer at AdeniranOgunsanya College of Education, Lagos. He received a B.Sc. in Physical and Health Education from ObafemiAwolowo University, followed by an M.Sc. and PhD from the University of Ibadan. He leads the Education Unit, shaping policies aimed at educational development and reform.

Mr. Apela Augustine

Director of Monitoring and Evaluation Policy

An expert in education and public policy, Mr. Augustine holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Political Science from the University of Ibadan, as well as a PhD in Public Policy Analysis from the University of Abuja. He directs the Election Observation and Monitoring Unit, providing critical oversight to ensure transparent and accountable governance.