1. African Skilled Youth Advocacy for Sustainable Development (ASYASD) has actively led youth empowerment initiatives by training young advocates to develop and submit policy brief proposals to both state and federal governments. These proposals have successfully influenced policy adoption, resulting in impactful programs that advance equity, inclusion, and economic opportunities for marginalised groups.
Building on this foundation, ASYASD spearheaded nationwide advocacy for youth capacity building and entrepreneurship development. Targeting unemployed youth from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, we collaborated closely with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and partner agencies, including the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Abuja Enterprise Agency, and the Bank of Industry.
A key achievement between 2018-2021 in this partnership was facilitating access to financial empowerment through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Services Enterprises Investment Scheme (CBN AGSMEIS) loans, specifically targeting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This financial support enabled youth entrepreneurs to launch and scale their businesses, thereby contributing to job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic growth.
These collaborative efforts exemplify ASYASD’s commitment to transforming the potential of youth into tangible socio-economic outcomes through strategic advocacy, capacity development, and multi-sector partnerships.
2. Promoting Health, Hygiene, and Education in Rural Ekiti School, Babalola Memorial Grammar, School Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State: ASYASD and Sarah Ayoka Odueaiye Foundation Lead Transformative Outreach in 2023
Recognising the critical importance of rural health, menstrual hygiene, and comprehensive sexuality education, African Skilled Youth Advocacy for Sustainable Development (ASYASD) placed these issues at the forefront of its 2023 agenda. In a powerful collaboration with the Sarah Ayoka Odueaiye Foundation, ASYASD reached out to selected schools across Ekiti State, empowering both students and communities through targeted education and support.
This impactful initiative involved intensive health education sessions aimed at raising awareness among community leaders and caregivers about adolescent health challenges, gender sensitivity, and the significance of safe menstrual practices. Understanding the barriers that young girls often face, the program distributed sanitary pads to female students, helping to ensure they can attend school with dignity and confidence.
Moreover Male students were not left behindreceiving essential writing materials to support their academic success. To encourage and celebrate scholastic achievement, the program awarded cash prizes to 10 outstanding and 10 efficient students, nurturing a culture of excellence and motivation within the rural school.
This collaboration exemplifies ASYASD’s commitment to addressing deep-rooted challenges in rural communities by promoting holistic education and health interventions that foster equity, empowerment, and sustainable development.
Through efforts like these, ASYASD and its partners continue to pave the way for a healthier, more educated generation ready to lead Nigeria’s future.
Get Involved
Join ASYASD to be part of a vibrant movement where young voices are heard, valued, and empowered. Whether as a youth advocate, partner organisation, donor, or supporter, your involvement today shapes a brighter, sustainable Africa tomorrow.
Together, we are empowering Africa’s youth to lead the change for a sustainable and inclusive future.
