By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Youth Advocacy Coalition on Demographic Dividend (YAC-DD) has constituted its first Executive Leadership Team, describing the move as a major step toward strengthening youth-focused development initiatives and inclusive participation in Nigeria.
In a statement, the coalition said the newly inaugurated leadership reflects its commitment to evidence-based advocacy and harnessing the opportunities presented by Nigeria’s youthful population.
YAC-DD brings together young leaders, researchers, advocates, and development practitioners dedicated to promoting programmes that empower young people and transform the country’s demographic potential into sustainable development.
According to the coalition, the leadership team emerged following extensive consultations and consensus among members.
Sumayya A. Hussaini and Seth Luke were appointed as Co-Chairs, while Shim Kajang and Usman Idris Abdullahi will serve as Co-Secretaries.
Christopher Atsen and Waniya Ilu will lead the Evidence-Based Advocacy and Communication Committee, while Zitta Samuel and Abdullahi Yunusa will oversee the Evidence Gathering and Knowledge Management Committee.
The Youth Mobilization and Engagement Committee will be headed by Yani Alexander Gideon and Hassan John, while Aaron Ayuba and Patience Frederick will coordinate the Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) Committee.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the new leadership reaffirmed its commitment to building strategic partnerships and amplifying the voices of young people in national development.
The team pledged to promote evidence-driven advocacy and support policies aimed at improving governance, health and social welfare, education and skills development, economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, security, peace, equity, and justice.
YAC-DD emphasized that realizing Nigeria’s demographic dividend requires deliberate investments in young people.
It said the coalition would engage government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, the media, and other stakeholders to advocate policies that create jobs, expand educational opportunities, and improve health outcomes for the country’s growing youth population.
The coalition called on stakeholders across sectors to collaborate in creating an environment where young Nigerians can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“As the Coalition embarks on this new phase, we call on all stakeholders to collaborate in building a future where every young person has the chance to thrive, contribute, and lead.
Together, we can turn Nigeria’s demographic potential into lasting social and economic prosperity,” the statement added.
