The United Nations describes youth organizations broadly as non-profit organizations that serve as volunteer associations established for the emancipation of its members. Youth organizations also serve as social, political, economic, or cultural vehicles for enlightenment. Having gotten a fair knowledge of what they are, what are the benefits of youth organizations in Nigeria?
Youth organizations exist to empower young people through different platforms. They present leadership opportunities to members who may not get it elsewhere. Most youths establish credible contacts with business-minded peers through youth organizations. Below are examples of youth organizations.
Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYO)
This is a subsidiary of members of the Catholic Church, consisting of young people. It is a non-profit organization established in 1985 by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria to enable young Catholics to observe the UN’s International Youth Year. CYO organizes workshops, skills acquisition, excursions, youth retreats, pilgrimages, charity, etc.
Devatop Center for Africa Development (DCAD)
Joseph Osuigwe established it in 2013 to mitigate human trafficking and other related mishaps in Nigeria. DCAD is a registered trademark with the Corporate Affairs Commission and has empowered millions of youths and women via sensitization, training, media, and donations. DCAD also aims to eradicate gender-based violence and child abuse and provide educational relief to less privileged children.
Women Trafficking and Child Labor Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF)
The foundation was established in 1999 by Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar, wife of Nigeria’s former VP and current presidential aspirant Atiku Abubakar. It aims to pull the plug against women and child trafficking while fostering youth and women empowerment. Rehabilitation, reintegration, and human rights advocacy are also part of WOTCLEF’s agenda, thus inspiring other African countries.
Youths for Human Rights Protection and Transparency Initiative (YARPTI)
This is a youth NGO in Nigeria committed to enhancing the interest of children and youths. YARPTI was established in Owerri, Imo state, by Kenneth Uwadi on April 2015 to help expose cases of human rights violations. They also stand against corruption at all tiers of government through media programs, advocacy, campaigns, empowerment, and education of youths.
Ijaw Youth Council (IYC)
Also known as Ijaw Youths, this civil rights organization was established in 1998 to enhance the well-being of Nigerian youths in the Ijaw tribe of the Niger Delta. From its inception, leadership resided with different Ijaw leaders in many Ijaw localities across the region. Peter Igbifa currently leads it. The council aims to arrest injustice caused by reckless oil exploration in Niger Delta.
N-Power
N-Power is the brainchild of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, established in June 2016. It aims to tackle the issue of unemployment among youths in tandem with improved social development. Over 500,000 youths aged 18 – 35 have benefited from the scheme. They are usually posted to selected work locations called Place of Primary Assignment (PPA), where they work to receive monthly stipends beginning from N30,000.
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
ESTABLISHED May 1973 by the military head of state Yakubu Gowon, NYSC is a special recruitment of fresh graduates to serve in different parts of the country and contribute to nation-building. It is a mandatory one-year service of the university and later polytechnic graduates, where they are posted to various places of assignment across the country.
New Deal Organization
A pet project of notable entrepreneur Daniel Kanu had its earliest beginnings in 1998 when it mobilized youths to support the Abacha administration. In 2014, it began moral re-orientation campaigns for youths and parents in federal schools.
Niger Delta Youth Association
Established in 2015, this advocacy organization is committed to human rights, development, and accountability causes for youths in the oil region. They root for poverty alleviation and opportunities for youths in Niger Delta.
NITDA Digital State Initiative
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, empowers youths aged 16 to 40 with Digital literacy through this program.
The Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development
The Government of River state uses this platform to empower youths in the state through socio-economic and cultural activities. Youths are assisted in developing, identifying, and pursuing their dreams.
Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN)
YOUWIN is a federal government empowerment program dedicated to supporting Nigerian youths. It was established by Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to give financial aid to businesses or youths in Nigeria with exceptional business plans.
Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)
This entrepreneurship program is spearheaded by billionaire business mogul Tony Elumelu to assist young business minds. Youths who get selected get a start-up fund of $5000 to kick-start their businesses.
Youth Empowering People (YEP)
YEP is a youth organization in Nigeria that advocates for skill acquisition, business development, and employment opportunities. YEP has helped lessen poverty, especially in the Niger Delta region.
Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS)
Established in 2012, this scheme assists young graduates without jobs to be gainfully employed, build manpower and excel in their chosen careers.
African Youth Empowerment of Nigeria (AYEN)
This is an NGO for youth development in Nigeria that organizes workshops, giving financial and educational empowerment to youths. AYEN leverages local sponsors and cooperative societies.
TraderMoni
TraderMoni is an interest-free government loan given to business owners. The loans are usually offered without collateral and have over five million Nigerian beneficiaries.
Youth Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture in Nigeria (YISA)
This youth NGO sponsors young farmers to excel in the lucrative agricultural sector. They offer non-monetary assistance to youths who venture into food production.
Presidential Youth Entrepreneurship Support (P-YES)
P-YES is a Federal Government Empowerment Scheme for Nigerian youths. It targets unemployment and entrepreneurship development. It is sponsored by the Bank of Industry (BOI) through The Ministry of Youth and Student Affairs. The specified age is between 18 and 35 years.
Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (YEDI)
YEDI is a youth organization in Nigeria established in 2011. Through affiliation with CSI+, a consultation service firm, YEDI uses sports to empower youths from 10-24 years of age.
Takeaway
Youth organizations in Nigeria are private foundations or NGOs that partner with the government to ensure the social, democratic, and political inclusion of youths at all levels. They help form the bedrock for self-development through leisure exercises, volunteer services, and informal learning.
