NSSF targets training of 1 million youths on healthcare advocacy by 2029.

By 2029, the Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) says it is set to train one million youths on healthcare advocacy through its “Ignite Campaign,” an initiative aimed at training and mobilizing young Nigerians as healthcare advocates.

Dr. Fejiro Nwoko, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NSSF, said in a statement on Thursday in Lagos to commence the 2024 “Ignite Campaign.”

According to her, the 2024 campaign aims to train and mobilise 3000 Nigerian youths to act as healthcare advocates.

Nwoko said the campaign begins the NSSF’s ambitious journey to empower one million youths for healthcare advocacy by 2029.

“The Ignite Campaign represents a pivotal step in our strategy to create a healthier Nigeria. By engaging and training 3,000 young Nigerians, we are addressing the immediate need for healthcare advocacy and setting the stage for long-term change.

“Our goal is to empower the youth, fortify healthcare systems, and ensure every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare.”

“NSSF’s experience in protecting the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated the significant gaps in Nigeria’s public healthcare systems.

“We believe Nigerians deserve better. We have decided to give young Nigerians a platform to participate in creating the Nigerian healthcare system of our dreams through advocacy,” Nwoko said.

The CEO said that following the resounding successes of previous “Wenaija” campaigns, NSSF has decided to morph it into a community for young health advocates to gain peer-to-peer mentorship and bridge the clear gap between awareness and action.

According to her, by leveraging the new initiative, Nigerian youths can make a real change in the governance of the nation’s health sector.

“We therefore implore young Nigerians to join this community through the “Ignite campaign,” Nwoko added.

She said that the campaign, which commenced on July 15, 2024, would run for 6 months, featuring digital activations to onboard participants into the “WeNaija” Community.

“These include workshops, trainings, healthcare sector reality checks, and weekly challenges.

“These activities aim to combat youth apathy towards healthcare issues and address existing challenges within the healthcare sector.

“By equipping young advocates with essential tools and knowledge, NSSF seeks to bridge the gap between awareness and action,” Nwoko said.

She said that NSSF’s new strategic direction underscores the organisation’s commitment to fostering a network of empowered young advocates who can drive meaningful change in their communities.

She stressed that the “Ignite Campaign” is not just about training but igniting a movement of young Nigerians passionate about improving healthcare access and outcomes.

Nwoko advised interested Nigerian youths wishing to get involved in the “Ignite Campaign” to visit the NSSF website at www.nssf.ng or follow NSSF on its social media platforms.