The AYGF team led by the Executive Director Dr. Arome Salifu paid a courtesy visit to Palladium. Received by the Country Director  Oiza Nicholson, and her team, the strategic meeting touched on the need to increase impact, and performance in the development space in Nigeria. Both organisations further discussed possible working partnerships, especially in the area of technical support and exploring new opportunities.

Empowering the Next Generation: International Day of Girls in ICT 2024 Globally, only 20% of tech jobs are held by women. This statistic highlights the significant gender disparity in the tech industry and underscores the urgent need for initiatives that encourage more girls to pursue careers in ICT (Information and Communication Technology).  The 2024 International Day of Girls in ICT theme is “Leadership,” at AYGF, we embraced this theme by organizing an event to sensitize and inspire 20 young girls. The AYGF Program Officers Ifeoluwa Prince and Caroline Godwin, IT Manager Shedrach Obi, and Communications Officer Ikenna Madu with their combined expertise and enthusiasm provided a rich, engaging experience for the participants. During the event, our team shared valuable insights into the tech industry, discussed the various opportunities available, and emphasized the importance of leadership in shaping the future of ICT. The girls participated in interactive sessions designed to build their confidence and equip them with the skills to navigate and succeed in the tech world. As we celebrate the 2024 International Day of Girls in ICT, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering girls through education and leadership development. By investing in these young minds today, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable tech industry tomorrow. 

In collaboration with Plan International, AYGF  hosted  Stakeholders from Niger state for the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) Bi-Annual Project Steering Committee/Project Debrief Meeting. The ANRiN Project Steering Committee Meeting held on the 13th of May, 2024  serves as a pivotal platform for strategic oversight and guidance to ensure the effective implementation of ANRiN in Niger State. In response to the urgent need to address malnutrition in Nigeria, the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project was initiated to ignite positive change within Niger State. Implemented by non-state actors, AYGF, and Plan International across 25 local government areas, ANRiN is dedicated to combating malnutrition through targeted interventions and community engagement. Nutrition serves as a cornerstone of human development, shaping health outcomes, economic productivity, and overall well-being. Within the intricate landscape of this multifaceted initiative, the ANRiN Steering Committee stands as a pivotal force for strategic guidance, oversight, and accountability. Composed of esteemed stakeholders from government bodies, civil society, and implementing partners, this bi-annual gathering offers a platform for collective reflection, informed decision-making, and proactive planning. The bi-annual gathering which had in attendance the Niger state Commissioner for secondary & tertiary health, Dr Bello Tukur, Chairman house committee on Health Niger House of Assembly, Hon. Umar Nasir, our Executive Director, Dr Arome Salifu, Director of Resource, and Mobilization Plan International, Dr. Oji Ogbureke and other relevant stakeholders as mandated by the World Bank, aims to review progress, address challenges, and provide direction for achieving project goals. AYGF is committed to impacting and meeting the nutritional needs of children under 5 and mothers because nutrition serves as a cornerstone of human development, shaping health outcomes, economic productivity, and overall well-being.

In the pursuit of personal and professional development, the Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) recently hosted a transformative retreat centered around the theme RESET – Reposition and Energize to Sustain Excellence through Training. The retreat, held at a serene location, brought together a diverse group of speakers eager to impact the team, reset their perspectives, refine their skills, and renew their commitment to excellence, the bedrock of every organization that strives to achieve Smart goals. We also had in attendance Our teams from Kogi, Niger, and Katsina States in a bid to promote synergy amongst all.  AYGF was privileged to have in attendance high-profile speakers such as Dr. Charles Usie, the Nigeria Country Director of Plan International; Kingsley Bangwel, Founder at Youngstars Development Initiative; Dr. Adeadebayo Shuaib FCA, FCCA, FCITN, Director of Finance & Administration on the ACE Project; Hussaini Abdu PhD., the Nigerian Country Director of Care International; Dennis Agbeti, A Mental Health & Behavioural Expert, and Dr. Tope Ojeme MNIPR, NMMA, a Development Communication expert among others. The first pillar of the RESET theme emphasized the importance of repositioning oneself for success. The Staff engaged in workshops and discussions identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, through exercises and team-building activities, participants gained valuable insights into their personal and professional identities. By understanding where they stand, attendees were better equipped to chart a course for future success. The second component of the retreat focused on energizing participants through targeted training initiatives. Renowned speakers and facilitators shared their expertise on different subjects, including leadership, communication, and innovation. Interactive and hands-on Training Workshops were designed to provide practical skills that apply to participants’ respective fields. The infusion of fresh ideas and perspectives energized the attendees, fostering a sense of enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to continuous learning. The final phase of the retreat concentrated on sustaining excellence, emphasizing the importance of growth and development. Attendees were encouraged to create personalized action plans that outlined their goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Mentorship programs were established to provide ongoing support and sustain the momentum gained during the retreat. Participants left the retreat with a clear vision of their future paths and a heightened sense of determination to sustain excellence in their endeavors.

AYGF in her premise of Democratic governance, and ahead of the 25th February, and 11th March general elections, held a press conference to state her expectations of the organization and call on critical stakeholders to address the need for a credible and peaceful elections. The Executive Director, Dr. Arome Salifu delivered a thought provoking and compelling speech which charged the youths to vote for the growth and development of Nigeria. He said “The general election is an opportunity for citizens to choose a leader with solid determination to steer the direction of the country positively” He made a call on security agencies on the need to prioritize the security of the electorates particularly, the members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who are providing support to the process. He further called on INEC, on the need to maintain neutrality and avoid anything that will jeopardize the process. The Press Conference was held at the AYGF Board Room, and had in attendance a dozier of reputable media practitioners from different media houses which include: NTA, Silverbird TV, AIT, Kiss FM, FRCN, Blueprint Newspaper, The Nation, NAN, Daily Trust, PUNCH Newspaper, Guardian, The Sun and Vanguard Newspaper. As we go to the polls for the elections, it is our hope in AYGF that Nigeria will experience a peaceful and credible 2023 elections.