AFRIYAN Nigeria Inaugurates Executives For Next Two Years
By Juliet Vincent
African Youth & Adolescent Network on Population and Development (AfriYAN) Nigeria has inaugurated seven new executives to lead the organization for the next two years.
The Network was established in Nigeria in 2016 by the United Nations Population Fund, with the mandate to increase meaningful youth participation in Africa’s development while addressing the intersecting challenges in the lives of young people.
The network is comprised of youth-led and youth-focused organisations working in the areas of sexual reproductive health & rights (SRHR), gender, education, human rights, governance, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment and wellbeing.
Adek Bassey Ozaveshe was elected the new National Coordinator of AfriYAN Nigeria, Fecility Nneoma, the Deputy National Coordinator, Aishat Usman, Program Manager, Khalid Ahmed Kumo, Communication Manager,
Aisha Sulaiman Ladan, Executive Secretary for Education,
Godwin Alechenu, Executive Secretary for Health and
Ameenah Bint Muhammad, Executive Secretary Entrepreneurship.
In his opening remarks, Shamwil Hassan, the Chairman of AfriYAN Nigeria’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the diverse backgrounds of AfriYAN members as a strength that facilitates networking and connections across the country.
He expressed hope that the new leadership will inspire the next generation.
“AfriYAN Nigeria is not only a network for the current generation but also for future generations to come. Each member of this network has a role to play. Although our contributions may go unrecognized now, we will be remembered as young people who sacrificed our time, efforts, and resources to ensure that the voices of young people are heard in decision-making processes at all levels,” he said.
Dr Babatunde Adelekan, ASRH/HIV Analyst at UNFPA Nigeria, praised the outgoing executives and reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting African Nigeria.
He said: “We will continue to support AfriYAN Nigeria’s initiatives, and I want to assure you that our doors are always open.”
Elizabeth Talatu Williams, the immediate past National Coordinator, expressed gratitude to the former executives, the Network’s Board members, and all members.
She urged AfriYAN Nigeria members to support the new Executives and reaffirmed her commitment to assisting them.
Additionally, she highlighted a comprehensive overview of AfriYAN Nigeria’s history, structure, and achievements, noting the network’s growth from 30 to over 100 youth-led organizations.
She detailed the outgoing administration’s activities, including various campaigns and partnerships, and emphasized the need for better funding and support.
Adek Bassey Ozaveshe, in her acceptance speech, expressed her appreciation for the support received from UNFPA since its establishment in 2017, as well as from AfriYAN members both in Nigeria and across the West African region.
She also commended the outgoing executive under Elizabeth Talatu’s leadership for their remarkable efforts. “I am amazed by the progress made and the wonderful recommendations for the future. Thank you for sustaining AfriYAN Nigeria’s structure and credibility, demonstrating our network’s dedication to addressing health, education, employment, and humanitarian issues.
“As your National Coordinator, I pledge to work tirelessly to earn your trust. Our administration will focus on building an efficient coordination structure and harnessing the strengths and capacities of every member. We will work together to establish a unified network, streamline collaboration, make data-driven decisions, empower state chapters, and scale our impact. Let us embark on this journey together with hope, optimism, and a commitment to creating a better future for ourselves and the generations to come,” she added.
