11m youth reached as UNICEF’s GenU 9JA moves under Vice President’s office

By Seun Greeners

In building stronger national ownership of youth development, four years after its launch in 2021, Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) -  UNICEF’s flagship public-private-youth partnership -  has been officially institutionalized under the Office of the Vice President.

At the annual GenU 9JA Steering Committee meeting held in Lagos, representatives from government, the private sector, development partners, and youth leaders celebrated the platform’s far-reaching impact on more than 11 million young Nigerians with special focus on girls and marginalized youth — while unveiling bold plans for its next phase.

Announcing the milestone, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, said the institutionalization marks a “major step forward” in aligning GenU 9JA’s mission with Nigeria’s national youth priorities.

“With over 11 million young Nigerians impacted in four years, we are on track to achieve our goal of supporting 20 million youth in their transition from learning to earning by 2030. This step reflects the government’s strong commitment to creating opportunities for young people across the country,” Saeed said.

The initiative will now operate directly under the supervision of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) a move expected to fast-track youth employment, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion across the country.

 Rimamskeb Nuhu, Special Assistant to the President on Strategy and Policy (Workforce Development), the government sees GenU 9JA as a key driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Digital Access and Livelihoods Initiative (DALI).

“The mission of GenU 9JA aligns with the Federal Government’s broader plan to expand digital skills, open employment pathways, and strengthen entrepreneurship opportunities for Nigeria’s youth,” he said.

Since its inception, GenU 9JA has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most ambitious youth empowerment initiatives, with programmes spanning digital learning, employability, and civic engagement in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

In 2025 alone, the platform expanded partnerships with major corporations including Airtel, MTN, IHS Towers, Unilever, Microsoft, Jobberman, CISCO, AfricaRe, and ATC Nigeria providing 255,000 youth with access to mobile data and e-learning resources.

Through the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA) platform, over 400,000 youth have gained access to training, jobs, and livelihoods, while the Future-X Campus Ambassadors Programme has equipped 20,000 young women with technical and digital skills and provided mentorships to more than 85,000 others.

Civic engagement has also surged, with 665,000 youth participating in social impact initiatives and over 300,000 mobilized for environmental action through the Green Rising campaign.

Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, reaffirmed the private sector’s role in youth transformation.

Endometriosis: 2,000 school girls empowered as ESIF takes campaign to Kosofe LGA

By Sola Charles

 

EndoSurvivors  International Foundation (ESIF) has flagged off the 2025 edition of its flagship initiative, the FreePeriods Campaign, aimed at promoting menstrual well-being among 2,000 adolescent girls in 10 secondary schools in Kosofe LGA in Lagos State.

The campaign is a school-based outreach programme designed to educate young girls about menstruation, menstrual hygiene, and to distribute free sanitary pads to alleviate period poverty.

The Founder/Executive Director ESIF, Mrs Olivia Nwankudu said the campaign will run for five weeks from September 25 through October 29, 2025.

"Our school outreaches approved by the Lagos State Ministry of Education and Lagos State Ministry of Health, will empower at least 2,000 senior high school students across 10 secondary schools in Kosofe LGA.

Now in its sixth year, she said the goal of the campaign is to provide free menstrual hygiene supplies to schoolgirls and educate them on what a normal period should look or feel like.

"Adequate menstrual health awareness will foster early detection of reproductive health issues like endometriosis, a disease where tissue similar to the endometrial lining grows outside the uterus, causing debilitating symptoms like painful periods and chronic pelvic pain.

"The condition is estimated to affect 1 in 10 women; yet it is largely underdiagnosed globally, as it takes an average of 7-10years for women to get a correct diagnosis. This targeted campaign towards young school girls will tackle the problem of late diagnosis of the condition in Nigeria.

"Our goal is to ensure that every girl understands her menstrual health and feels empowered to manage it with dignity. Beyond providing sanitary pads, we are equipping girls with the knowledge to recognize symptoms of reproductive health issues like endometriosis, so they can seek timely help."

"During these school outreaches, we will lead interactive sessions with students to teach girls how to recognise the symptoms of endometriosis and ask for help, demonstrate proper menstrual hygiene practices, and distribute free sanitary pads - to promote menstrual wellbeing and alleviate period poverty."

The benefiting schools include: Mende Senior High School, Maryland, Labeo Comprehensive College, Ifako Gbagada, Ikosi Senior High School, Ikosi and Alapere Comprehensive High School. Others are Kosofe Senior College and Muslim Senior College, Oworoshoki.

Aiyedere Ajibola Snr. Grammar School, Ketu, Eva Adelaja Snr Girls Grammar School, Bariga, Angus Senior Memorial High School, Somolu, and Gbagada Senior Grammar School are also included.

 Nwankudu explained that ESIF's mission is to reduce the burden of endometriosis in Nigeria through awareness, education, research, advocacy, and patient support, while tackling period poverty.

"The FreePeriods campaign is part of our commitment to challenge the silence, stigma, and misinformation surrounding endometriosis and menstrual health in Nigeria; as empowering young girls with adequate information will encourage timely health-seeking behaviours.

Endometriosis - a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it - causes debilitating symptoms such as painful periods and chronic pelvic pain. 

The condition affects an estimated 1 in 10 women worldwide, yet remains largely underdiagnosed, with most women waiting 7-10 years before receiving a correct diagnosis. By targeting young girls early, ESIF hopes to tackle the challenge of delayed diagnosis in Nigeria.

Through the campaign, ESIF will conduct interactive school sessions that will teach students how to recognize the symptoms of endometriosis and ask for help, demonstrate proper menstrual hygiene practices, and distribute free sanitary pads to reduce the impact of period poverty.

"We are committed to breaking the silence, stigma, and misinformation surrounding menstrual health and endometriosis in Nigeria. Empowering young girls with accurate information is key to encouraging timely health-seeking behaviour and safeguarding their future well-being."

Lauding the FreePeriods Menstrual Hygiene Outreach by ESIF, education stakeholders described the initiative as a life-changing intervention for adolescent girls.

Following the Foundation’s visit to Alapere Comprehensive Senior High School, the Director of Guidance and Counselling, Mrs B.F. Adeniyi of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, District 2, expressed gratitude to the organisers and their partners.

The Director and Principal of the school, Mr Adedeji A.O., highlighted the positive impact of the programme on the personal development, menstrual hygiene, and overall health of female students.

“The FreePeriods Menstrual Hygiene outreaches by EndoSurvivors International Foundation are making a difference in the lives of adolescent girls. I strongly recommend the continued support and expansion of this programme to benefit even more schools and communities across Lagos State and our country, Nigeria,” Adedeji noted.

On her part, the Principal, Ayedere Ajibola Senior High School, Ketu, Mrs. Arogbodo O.O expressed appreciation, saying: "This is to thank you for lifting our students'  spirits with the educational  programme (Menstrual Hygiene Awareness/free distribution of sanitary pads carried out in our school." She prayed for the uplifting and blessing of the Foundation and its members.

The outreach forms part of ESIF’s broader commitment to promoting menstrual health education, confidence, and wellbeing among young girls across Nigeria.

Intn’l Day of the Girl Child: SPMC amplifies voices of Nigerian girls

By Sola Charles 

In a stirring celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Sanitary Pad Media Campaign (SPMC) convened a compelling virtual public speaking webinar that brought together young female voices from across Nigeria, a new generation determined to change the narrative about what it means to be a girl.

Themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Make: Girls on the Frontline of Crisis,” the event was held for the top 30 entrants of the “My Period Stories” Essay Competition — an initiative designed to amplify the voices of young girls through storytelling and advocacy on menstrual health and self-expression.

Anikeade Funke-Treasure, Convener of SPMC, set the tone for an afternoon that was as uplifting as it was transformative, saying: “We believe this programme will empower these young girls to become better versions of themselves and positive influencers in society. 

Through mentorship, we are nurturing future icons,” she declared, underscoring SPMC’s mission to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity for the Nigerian girl child.

Funke-Treasure’s words resonated through the screens as faces lit up with inspiration, a vivid reflection of what SPMC has become: a movement that builds confidence where silence once prevailed.

The impressive lineup of speakers and mentors, including Oriyomi Pamela Sosu Otuka, Curator of the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan; Betty Dibiah Akeredolu-Ale, CEO of BRANAMA TV; and Sophie Enitan Oluwa, Esq., Executive Director of NATINEEE, did justice to the thematic focus.

They led an engaging dialogue on communication, confidence, and courage which are values essential for young girls navigating a complex world.

“Girls should know that they can be anything they aspire to be, they must never be afraid to dream big, ” said Akeredolu-Ale, her words echoing like a call to action. 

A highlight of the webinar was the announcement of mentor-mentee pairings, a symbolic bridge connecting wisdom and youth. Abasiekeme Eshiet, a Law student at the University of Uyo, was paired with Sophie Enitan Oluwa; Klistivitonyon Ogunlana with Betty Dibiah Akeredolu-Ale; and Temitope Akinyinka with Pamela Oriyomi Otuka.

For these young women, the mentorship experience has been nothing short of life-changing. “This programme has opened my eyes to the power of my own voice,” said Temiloluwa Ajala, a  participant, who credited the initiative with igniting her passion for advocacy and storytelling.

Beyond technical lessons in public speaking, the session became a space for deep reflection on societal stigma and gender inequality.

In a moving artistic interlude, Victory Alleson delivered a spoken-word performance titled “Menstrual Flow,” which earned thunderous applause. The poem’s message – that menstruation is not a curse but a mark of womanhood and resilience – encapsulated the spirit of the day.

The collective message was clear: “Menstruation is not a source of shame. Girls and women continue to achieve greatness in every sphere — despite all odds.”

 Sophie Enitan Oluwa, Esq. urged participants to extend their voices to advocacy for other girls, particularly those in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, conflict zones, and underserved communities.

She emphasised that gender equality cannot be achieved without inclusive access to reproductive health education and care.

Betty Dibiah Akeredolu-Ale called for deliberate inclusion of girls with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds in empowerment initiatives. “We must ensure that no girl is left behind,” she insisted.

“Menstrual health is not a women’s issue — it’s a human issue,” she said, drawing nods of agreement from participants across different screens.

Since its inception, the Sanitary Pad Media Campaign has steadily evolved into one of Nigeria’s most influential platforms for menstrual health education and girl empowerment. Its initiatives, from storytelling contests to advocacy campaigns, have reached hundreds of young women, offering not just sanitary support, but also self-worth.

The webinar is another testament to SPMC’s enduring mission: to equip girls to lead, speak out, and thrive, even in the face of adversity.

As the virtual session drew to a close, one sentiment lingered above all — a renewed confidence that the girl child, when empowered with knowledge and voice, is unstoppable.

LACSOP drives change as Lagos Island, Apapa communities confront climate change

By Sola  Charles 

A new citizen-driven initiative is placing young people at the center of the fight against climate change in Lagos, where flooding, plastic pollution, and poor waste management continue to threaten daily life.

For many residents of Lagos Island and Apapa - two coastal areas vulnerable to flooding and sea-level rise,  climate change is no longer an abstract debate on global platforms.  

Thanks to a new pilot project led by the Lagos State Civil Society Participation for Development (LACSOP) and Nature Care Resource Center with support from Bread for the World (BfdW), implementing the Citizens-Led Accountability Mechanism for Mitigating Climate Change Impact (CLAIM), the youth and community stakeholders are mobilised to confront critical environmental challenges.

At a validation workshop held in Lagos, stakeholders from the affected communities sat side by side with civil society representatives to scrutinize a draft manual on climate change adaptation, towards ensuring the document reflects the lived realities of the people.

A Director of the Ocean and Coast Programme at Nature Care Resource Center, Dr. Olushola Adeoye, explained that the initiative seeks to shift perceptions from mystical causes to practical solutions.

Adeoye said the manual will serve as a training tool for communities, but first, it must be validated by the very people it is designed for.

Adeoye said “Lagos  is a unique place  and  this project is a pilot. Basically, what we really want to do with this project is to bring communities together to look at the challenges that are related to climate change, but first and foremost, the people need to be actually aware of climate change. How knowledgeable they are about climate change matters.

 “Climate change has  a great impact in Lagos from the sea level rising and  so many things that we see  around us. So how  do we  adapt? 

"If you are aware of the problem and you know the source, it becomes easier to address it. Climate change is not mysterious or spiritual; it is real, and it affects us every day.

"This is their product; if it doesn't reflect their knowledge, language, or reality, then we have failed. We want the content to be clear enough that everyone - from the market woman to the young carpenter - can understand and act on it. The feedback we get here determines whether we go forward or start afresh."

Adeoye emphasised the importance of starting with awareness. Many communities, he said, still misinterpret environmental challenges as spiritual problems.

 "Changing our way of life is part of adapting; that is how we can continue to have a livable Lagos. We want Lagos communities to stop being passive victims of climate change and start being active agents of adaptation. That's how we build resilience, one community at a time."

Participants at the workshop were drawn from across the two pilot communities. Market women, youth between 18 and 35, and small-scale business owners voiced their perspectives. Government representatives also joined, recognizing themselves as part of the community fabric.

The  Project Manager of the Citizen-Led Accountability and Inclusion Mechanism (CLAIM) Project, Ms Omolara Olusaye, explained that the pilot, launched in May, is working in two flood-prone communities, Lagos Island and Apapa.

Olusaye said “The 18-month project, coordinated by LACSOP, will run until September 2026. It aims to build a cadre of youth leaders who can sustain climate action beyond the project's lifespan. We are engaging young people between the ages of 18 and 35 because we believe they can serve as climate change advocates within their communities.”

Further, she noted that the workshop focused on refining a training manual designed to equip youths with the knowledge and tools to mitigate climate impacts.

“Participants will be empowered to monitor environmental practices, raise awareness on proper waste disposal, and push for policy action at the local government level.

Olusaye stressed that many of the flooding issues are man-made, worsened by indiscriminate waste disposal.

"The CLAIM Project, coordinated by LACSOP, is a pilot in Lagos Island and Apapa aimed at building a youth-led movement for climate resilience. You see something, you say something. That's the kind of active citizen participation we want to encourage. The diversity ensures that solutions reflect the realities of those directly affected.

"This is a collaborative effort between communities, civil society, and government. The goal is for the people themselves to own it - because citizen-led action is the only way climate solutions can last."

At the workshop, participants described how flooding, water scarcity, and poor waste management are worsening health risks in their neighborhoods.

"We've always thought climate change was for the government to solve, but it starts with us - in our homes and our communities.  The youth are not leaders of tomorrow; we are leaders of today," said Oluwaremilekun Abiodun Cole of Lagos Island Connect.

For digital expert and youth advocate Tanimola Yusuf Dauda from Apapa, awareness is key: "If we want change, we must start from the grassroots, from children in schools to community leaders. When floods come, it's not politicians who suffer, it's us," he stated.

Both respondents agreed that clean drainage, proper waste disposal, and recycling could dramatically reduce the risks. More importantly, they stressed the power of young people to drive action, influence policy, and inspire older generations.

Funke Treasure clinches America’s Voice of Dignity Award

By Sola Charles

 

In a world where silence often shrouds women’s struggles, one Nigerian woman has dared to raise her voice.  She is not a head of state, a medical doctor, or a politician, but a woman whose weapon is a microphone, whose battlefield is the media, and whose shield is the unyielding belief that women deserve better.

Multimedia trailblazer, author, and menstrual health advocate  Anikeade Funke Treasure Akintoye ,  has waged a relentless war against period poverty from newsrooms to rural classrooms. It’s a war fought with words and willpower, and now, the world is listening.

Funke’s daring is making her to stand among giants. She has been announced as one of the recipients of the prestigious Voice of Dignity Award 2025, to be presented by the Heroes of Tomorrow Africa Foundation in the United States on 20th of September, 2025. Even then, Funke says it is not a personal prize, but one for every girl who has bled in shame, missed school, or been silenced by stigma.

From broadcaster to changemaker

The journey from broadcaster to changemaker did not come overnight. Long before international acclaim, Funke was a voice on Nigerian airwaves - a respected multimedia journalist and mentor, in 2010, she founded the Media Mentoring Initiative (MMI), expanding the vision with the MMi Documentary Fellowship for Students (MMi-DFS), training young storytellers to shine light on Africa’s hidden truths.

For her, dignity is not an abstract concept. It is the difference between a girl who stays in school and one who drops out, between silence and confidence, between shame and pride. “Impact does not always come through headlines but through heartlines — the quiet yet powerful echoes of our work in people’s lives,” she said in a response to the award.

Her Sanitary Pad Media Campaign (SPMC) has done more than distribute pads. It has sparked conversations in homes, classrooms, and parliaments. It has forced Africa to confront a truth it often avoids: that menstruation is not a curse but a sign of life, and it deserves dignity.

Her groundbreaking video podcast, My Period Stories with Funke Treasure, airing on Africa Magic Family, has become a safe space where women lay bare the private struggles that society has long dismissed.

Beyond borders and silence

A statement signed by the Foundation’s Director of Operations, Ms. Amanda Wax, recognized Funke’s “outstanding humanitarian impact and groundbreaking media advocacy, particularly her tireless efforts to combat period poverty and uplift the dignity of young girls and women in Nigeria through access to sanitary products and education.”

 “Your commitment to using your voice and platform for change has not only reshaped narratives but has also restored hope and health to thousands of undeserved communities. The voice of Dignity Award is given to a visionary who exemplifies compassion, courage and communication in the service of others. 

"Through your bold leadership in media and your unwavering commitment to empowering women, you have become a beacon of transformative change in Africa and beyond,” the statement noted.

A visionary who chose courage over comfort, service over silence, and purpose over power ,  Funke has turned period poverty into a national conversation. She has turned whispers of shame into voices of defiance, and has turned years of tireless advocacy into a global beacon of hope.

Standing among giants.

The sheer weight of her recognition becomes apparent with the roll call of honourees for the award which brings together a distinguished line-up of global leaders and change makers. Among them are President Julius President Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal.

Also on the roll call is President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, who is celebrated for her role in steering her nation into a new republican era, alongside Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Nigeria, whose advocacy and political courage have earned her widespread respect.

The list includes transformative voices in civic and community leadership, such as Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark, United States, Dr. Adeyinni Ogunkoya, Dr. Simbiat Adighije, and Dr. Toyin Opesanmi (Dr. O), all medical and academic in their respective fields of medicine, research, and public service.

Impact through heartlines, not headlines

In a reaction, Funke said: “I am humbled to be recognised alongside such distinguished leaders and changemakers in Africa. This award is a reminder that impact does not always come through headlines but also through heartlines — the quiet yet powerful echoes of our work in people’s lives. I am grateful to individuals and organisations who worked with us in the last six years to achieve the impact and depth that shines through our work with the Sanitary Pad Media Campaign project.”  

She also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian media for their “relentless coverage, support, and amplification of menstrual health advocacy.”

Prof. Sidi Osho, Board Chair of Illuminate Nigeria Development Network (parent body of the Sanitary Pad Media Campaign), described the recognition as “great progress and the result of hard and dedicated work.”  

Her consistent focus on menstrual health, cultural storytelling, and social impact continues to cement her place as a leading voice for dignity, inclusion, and change in Africa and beyond.

UNICEF, FG launch Nigeria's first behavioral lab to improve child Survival

 

By Sola Charles

 In a move to combat child mortality and improve child development outcomes, UNICEF, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and 19 leading universities have launched the Behavioural Insights Research and Design Lab (BIRDLab). The groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in the country, aims to apply the principles of behavioral science directly to public health challenges, ensuring solutions are both effective and culturally relevant.

BIRDLab is designed to be a hub for evidence-based interventions. It will produce practical research findings on key issues, such as routine immunization, nutrition services, and school enrollment. By understanding the "why" behind people's decisions, the lab will create simple tools and policy notes that government agencies can use to scale up programmes and address real barriers at the community level.

The initiative builds on a successful existing partnership, the Network for Behavioural Research on Child Survival in Nigeria. BIRDLab will now formalize this collaboration, bringing together experts from diverse fields including Community Medicine, Communication Studies, and Clinical Psychology.

UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, said the partnership will make programmes more effective and respectful of local contexts. "If we study what shapes decisions on vaccination, feeding practices, or school enrolment, we can work with communities to fix the real barriers," Saeed said. "This partnership... will help more children get vaccinated, eat better, and learn."

The lab will also play a crucial role in building local capacity. It will offer short courses, mentoring, and practical field experience for government officials, embedding a behavioral science approach directly into the planning, budgeting, and delivery of health and social programs. This ensures that solutions are not just effective but also Nigerian-led and sustainable.

While BIRDLab will primarily operate online, it will also have a dedicated physical space at the University of Lagos, providing a central location for researchers and practitioners to collaborate. Graduate students will undertake studies aligned with UNICEF's programme priorities, conducting trials, observational work, and long-term follow-ups.

This strategic partnership is a clear sign that Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in leveraging behavioral science to solve complex health challenges. It also strengthens South-South cooperation, using local expertise to guide national policies and improve the lives of children and families across the country. By understanding and addressing the human behaviors that drive health outcomes, BIRDLab has the potential to redefine the future of child survival and development in Nigeria and beyond.

Nigeria joins global charge against mosquito-borne diseases

By Seun Greeners

Today, Nigeria joins the global community in marking World Mosquito Day, a solemn yet urgent reminder of the tiny insect responsible for some of the world’s deadliest diseases.

Commemorated annually on August 20th, the day honors Sir Ronald Ross’s 1897 discovery that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria—a breakthrough that changed the course of medical history.

This year’s theme, “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World,” resonates deeply in Nigeria, where malaria remains a leading cause of death and illness. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria accounted for 27 per cent of global malaria deaths in 2023, underscoring the need for intensified action.

In Lagos, health officials launched a week-long campaign featuring free mosquito net distribution, community clean-ups, and educational seminars. 

“We’re not just fighting mosquitoes—we’re fighting poverty, inequality, and preventable death,” said Dr. Ifeoma Okoye, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health.

Across the country, radio stations aired public service announcements urging citizens to eliminate stagnant water, use insecticide-treated nets, and seek prompt treatment for fever symptoms.

Nigeria is also embracing cutting-edge solutions. In collaboration with international partners, researchers at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research are piloting the release of genetically modified mosquitoes designed to curb disease transmission. Early results show promise, with targeted areas reporting a 60% drop in dengue cases.

Meanwhile, local startups are developing mobile apps that alert users to mosquito hotspots using real-time data and satellite mapping.

Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating the crisis. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are expanding mosquito habitats, pushing diseases into new regions. Northern Nigeria, once considered low-risk, has seen a spike in malaria cases over the past year.

World Mosquito Day is not just a commemoration—it’s a call to action. Health advocates are urging increased funding for research, stronger sanitation infrastructure, and community-driven prevention efforts.

“We must treat mosquito-borne diseases as the public health emergency they are. Every Nigerian deserves protection, regardless of where they live,”  Okoye remarked.

As dusk falls and the hum of mosquitoes returns, the message is clear: the fight is far from over. But with science, solidarity, and sustained effort, Nigeria is determined to turn the tide.