On August 12, 2022, PIND joined the global community to commemorate the annual International Youth Day (IYD) to highlight issues that concern young people in the Niger Delta region, especially within its projects. This year, we worked in line with the recommendation by the United Nations on the need to close the gap created by ageism through fostering successful and equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships to ensure “no one is left behind.”
PIND’s Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GESI) team collaborated with the Advocacy and Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) teams to facilitate an intergenerational intervention between the younger and older generation through the sponsorship of ten youths from the YEP project to attend the Niger Delta Future Fest 2022. The youths were from the Niger Delta States with YEP presence: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Rivers.
PIND’s Advocacy Coordinator, Ebenezar Wikina, and Office Administrator, Yemi Omire, receiving an award on behalf of PIND at Niger Delta Future Fest 2022
Cross section of PIND DYEP beneficiaries at Niger Delta Future Fest along with PIND staff
The Niger Delta Future Fest 2022 was a one-day symposium held on August 12 for young people to discuss the creative economy in the region and its abundant opportunities. A Youth Development Initiative, the Fest was attended by people of all ages and focused on building the capacities and talents of the youth through guidance and mentorship.
There were two panel sessions, one keynote address, and two thematic speakers. The speakers extensively highlighted the potential that abounds in several non-oil sectors in the region, including agriculture, ICT, tourism, and the performing arts. Young people were also encouraged to collect their PVCs and perform civic duty during the 2023 general elections.
Award presentations punctuated speeches and panel sessions. PIND received three awards:
- Youth & Economic Development Leader – for our ground-breaking and stellar achievements with youth employment, leadership, and entrepreneurial programs.
- Advocacy Platform of the Year – for our digital advocacy platform, Niger Delta Link (NDLink), for leveraging technology to promote and advance the developmental strides in the Niger Delta.
- Service to Young People – for PIND’s Executive Director, Tunji Idowu, for leading an organization that prioritizes the welfare of the Niger Delta youths.
At the event, the ten YEP beneficiaries sponsored by PIND thanked the Foundation for always providing platforms to help nurture their skills and expand their horizons. They also appreciated PIND for the YEP project, which has enabled them to start their enterprises and secure well-paying jobs.
International Youth Day (IYD) is celebrated annually on August 12 to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community, highlight the potential of youths as partners in today’s global society, and raise awareness on issues affecting young people and their achievements around the world. The 2022 theme was “Intergenerational Solidarity.” It focused on ageism as a barrier to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through the IYD 2022, PIND showcased its conscious efforts in supporting youths to achieve social relevance and economic independence by strengthening their capacities through guidance, mentorship, and skills enhancements.
The celebration also highlighted PIND’s position as an organization that is sensitive to youth issues and concerned with impacting their lives positively to contribute to peace and economic development in the region.
PIND believes that the engagement of the ten selected youths for the IYD 2022 has widened their horizon to more opportunities by creating avenues for linkages and networking with high-achievers in the region and beyond.
