Nigeria youth
Highlight

USAID provides two million Nigerian girls, boys skills acquisition safe spaces

604

 

To establish youth hubs network in Lagos, Kano

By Ajuma Edwina Ogiri

 

A “new activity’’ has been designed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that will provide two million Nigerian adolescent girls and boys with safe spaces where they will acquire skills to lead healthier, more productive lives.

The new activity which involves using a new, inclusive “co-creation” method is aimed at improving the health and well-being of poor, urban adolescents through counseling on reproductive health, practical information for workforce development, and sports that encourage self-esteem and team building, USAID said.

The organization said the result was the five-year, $15 million award of the Youth-powered Ecosystem to Advance Urban Adolescent Health and Well-being activity to DAI Global, which will lead a group of specialized local partners to establish and strengthen a network of “youth hubs” in the state capitals of Lagos and Kano.

 

“Recognizing the importance of developing activities together with those who will be impacted by it, USAID has embarked on a novel design approach centered on adolescents and one that included stakeholders from multiple disciplines, including the private sector.

“The Nigerian organizations that participated in the process will be pivotal in reaching vulnerable youth with life-saving information and services and helping adolescents reach their fullest potential,” the USAID Deputy Health Office Director, Minal Amin, said in a statement made available to Persecond news.

“In line with the Agency’s Positive Youth Development policy, USAID has given the youth of Nigeria a voice into a project meant for them.  This activity responds to the demands of today’s young people that they must be involved in forging their own futures,” the Mission Director, USAID, Stephen M. Haykin, also said.

The youth-centric co-creation model engaged groups of young people to better understand the challenges they face, and convened a wide array of government, development partners, donors, and the private sector to formulate the activity’s strategic focus and methodology.

“By establishing and strengthening a series of interconnected “youth hubs” in the two mega cities, the activity will empower 15 to19-year-olds with gender and age appropriate health and life skills, reproductive health awareness, access to reproductive health information and services, and improvement of gender equality.

“In the teen-friendly context of sports, arts, and other group-centered activities, a cadre of youth coaches will deepen understanding of social issues, shift attitudes, and spur behavior change among the hub participants.

“Further engagement with parents, guardians and community leaders will help youth take control of their health and futures through job training, apprenticeships, and placements,” the statement said.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...

Exclusive: Eguavoen Opens Up on Declining NFF Contract Extension, Reveals Reasons

Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, has revealed why he declined the Nigeria...

Boost for Nigeria’s Oil Production As NNPC’s Utapate Crude Grade Hits Global Oil Market

In a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and...

Just in: FG sacks varsity Pro-Chancellor for misconduct

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of...

Just in: INEC presents Certificates of Return to Ondo Gov. Aiyedatiwa, deputy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to...

Breaking: Senate sacks Danladi Umar, Code of Conduct Tribunal chairman  

Following proven allegations of gross misconduct and unacceptable behaviour, the Senate on...

Just in: South Africa takes over G20 Presidency from Brazil, first African nation to lead the bloc

South Africa has taken over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil,...

Tinubu submits 3 INEC REC, federal commissioner-nominees for Senate’s approval

President Bola Tinubu has sent the name of Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner,...

Just in: After a night in custody, DSS in Ogun releases Ladi Adebutu

Mr. Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in...