African youth are often viewed as a vulnerable demographic, but what if we flipped the script? What if, instead of being seen as a challenge, young people were recognized as a driving force for sustainable development? As the Deputy Chairperson of the African Youth Union Commission (AYUC) and Country Director of AYUC/Nigeria, Ambassador Enakeme Ojineme is passionate about harnessing the potential of African youth to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the intersection of youth empowerment and sustainable development, and explore the ways in which young people can be supported to become agents of positive change.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your professional background and your role as Director of AYUC/Nigeria?
Amb. Enakeme Ojineme: I am a recipient of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health science – UAE on « LET’S BREAK THE CHAIN OF COVID-19 INFECTION; a project of UNFPA, a distinguished recipient of UN SDG5, AU Agenda 2063, AfCFTA and UNODC on Anti-corruption.I am a member of GIMAC network, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I am a fellow of CIVICUS world Alliance and a fellow of the NASSER youth fellowship in Cairo Egypt ( with emphasis on Pan-African industrial development- Youth focus). I am a supply chain facilitator.
I am currently the Deputy Executive Chairperson African Youth Union Commission – AYUC Africa and the National Youth Chair of League of Women Voters of Nigeria – NILOWV where l have done, still doing so many campaigns and advocacies on gender responsive budgeting and gender based violence against women and girls across board. I have done trainings and capacity building of young women and girls (including those in school and out of school girls). I am a strong advocate of Leaving no one behind especially women and girls living with disabilities. My motivation is born out of passion as service to humanity is my best work of life.
I am a politician with the People Democratic Party PDP.
I am a graduate of the prestigious University of Jos, Nigeria where she bags B.Sc(Hon.) Botany, a graduate of the Nigeria institute of Management, Post graduate in Social Works.
I am a practical Social Entrepreneur who believes in solving problems while generating income – See the need, take the lead and give it your best shot – a community advocate for the UN SDGs, AUAgenda2063 and AfCFTA. I am a strategic network partner of the African industrialization Group Inc. and works closely with the department of Health science and environmental Resilience.
My religion is to serve and create happiness for others.
What is your perspective on the role of African youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Amb. Enakeme Ojineme :My perspective on the role of African youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through various means:
Advocacy and Awareness**: Young people can raise awareness about the SDGs and mobilize their peers, communities, and leaders to take action.
Innovation and Technology: Youth often bring fresh ideas and technological savvy that can lead to innovative solutions for sustainable development challenges.
How does AYUC/Nigeria contribute to promoting African youth in achieving the SDGs?
Amb. Enakeme Ojineme: AYUC Nigeria contribute to promoting African youth in achieving the SDGs by:
Community Engagement: By participating in local initiatives, AYUC Nigeria engage youths to drive grassroots efforts to address issues such as poverty, education, and climate change.
Leadership and Representation: AYUC Nigeria Engages youth in decision-making processes ensures their perspectives are included, fostering inclusive and equitable growth.
What are the main challenges that African youth face in contributing to the achievement of the SDGs?
Amb. Enakeme Ojineme: Main challenges that African youth face in contributing to the achievement of the SDGs:
African youth face several challenges that hinder their contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
High Unemployment Rates: Limited job opportunities and economic instability lead to widespread youth unemployment, making it difficult for them to actively engage in sustainable development initiatives.
Limited Access to Education: Many youths lack access to quality education and vocational training, which hinders their ability to acquire the skills necessary for contributing to SDGs, particularly those related to quality education, decent work, and economic growth.
Political Instability: Conflicts and political unrest in certain regions create an environment that is unsafe and unstable, deterring youth participation in development efforts.
Lack of Representation: Youth often have limited representation in decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels, which diminishes their voice and influence in policies affecting sustainable development.
Limited Access to Finance: Young entrepreneurs often struggle to secure funding and loans to start or grow businesses that align with the SDGs.
Cultural and Social Barriers: Traditional norms and gender roles can restrict the participation of young women in particular, limiting their contributions to social and economic development.
Digital Divide: Unequal access to technology and the digital economy can prevent youth from leveraging innovative solutions and information necessary for achieving the SDGs.
How can African youth be an asset in achieving the SDGs?
Amb. Enakeme Ojineme: African youth can be an asset in achieving the SDGs because of its demographic as the largest and the following;
Innovation and Technology: Youth are often at the forefront of technological advancements. By harnessing technology, they can develop solutions for challenges such as clean energy, healthcare, and education.
Entrepreneurship: Young entrepreneurs can create jobs and stimulate economic growth. By starting businesses that address local needs, they contribute to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) while fostering innovation. Advocacy and Awareness: African youth can raise awareness about the SDGs within their communities through campaigns, social media, and grassroots movements, promoting civic engagement and accountability.
What areas can African youth make a significant contribution to in achieving the SDGs?
Amb. Enakeme Ojineme: Areas African youth can make a significant contribution to in achieving the SDGs through the following avenues:
Education and Skills Development: Engaging in lifelong learning and skills development equips youth with the necessary tools to contribute effectively to various sectors, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education).
Environmental Stewardship: Youth can lead initiatives for sustainability and environmental conservation, promoting climate action (SDG 13) and responsible consumption (SDG 12), critical in combating climate change.
Participation in Governance: By actively participating in decision-making processes, youth can influence policies that support sustainable development, ensuring that their voices are heard in matters that affect their futures.
Community Engagement: Youth can mobilize communities around social issues, such as poverty eradication (SDG 1) and gender equality (SDG 5), leading to collective action and positive change.
Research and Data Collection: Many young people are involved in research activities that provide valuable insights for policymakers, contributing to informed decision-making in various SDGs.
What strategies and initiatives is AYUC/Nigeria implementing to promote African youth participation in achieving the SDGs?
Amb. Enakeme Ojineme: As executives of the African Youth Union Commission (AYUC), we are saddled with the responsibility as a Union Commission to be well positioned to:
consolidate the efforts of Heads of state and government to address
Youth related and multi sectorial challenges with relevant stakeholders as
well as private sector actions in the realization of youth development
agenda at all levels of communities and organizational settings in Nigeria.
To Rally Diaspora African Youths in the realization, cooperation,
collaboration and partnership of advancing African development roadmap in the SDGs.
To demonstrate capacity and commitment as policy inclusion expert, with
national government with a view to strengthen relationship with the
African Union, African Union Commission, Regional Economic bodies, continental and international agencies etc., in partnership targeted towards
achieving an overall scientific Pan-African development agenda for the continent.
Education and Skill Development: AYUC Nigeria promote education initiatives that contribute to skill development necessary for sustainable economies and livelihoods.
Volunteering and Activism: Many young people engage in volunteer work and activism, significantly impacting social and environmental issues.
How does AYUC/Nigeria work with other organizations and governments to promote African youth participation in achieving the SDGs?
Amb. Enakeme Ojineme: Collaboration: By working with government agencies, organizations, and fellow youth activists, AYUC Nigeria amplify the efforts of African youth towards achieving the SDGs.
What are the expected outcomes of these strategies and initiatives?
Amb. Enakeme Ojineme:The expected outcomes are: Addressing these challenges is essential for empowering African youth as active contributors to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Leveraging their energy, creativity, and passion, African youth can play a vital role in driving progress toward the SDGs, fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.
What message would you like to convey to African youth to encourage them to participate in achieving the SDGs?
Amb. Enakeme Ojineme: This is a call to action to all young great Afro champions that we are vital for driving progress, fostering innovation, and ensuring that sustainable development is inclusive and representative.
What are the next steps that AYUC/Nigeria plans to take to promote African youth participation in achieving the SDGs?
Amb. Enakeme Ojineme: Next steps AYUC Nigeria plan to take to promote African youth participation in achieving the SDGs:
Deliberate grassroots campaign and mobilization of youth as gatekeepers of the tenets SDGs
Advocacy across board on SDGs
Primary, secondary and Tertiary school clubs on SDGs
How can people join AYUC/Nigeria to support the promotion of African youth participation in achieving the SDGs?
Amb. Enakeme Ojineme: People can join AYUC Nigeria to supports the promotion of African youth participation in achieving the SDGs by being deliberate and intentional as seeing the need and taking the Lead in the campaign for the domestication of the SDGs from the grassroots level to critical stakeholders.
