The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Nigeria has inaugurated its seventh cohort of youth change makers, drawing participants from across the six geo-political zones of the country.
Out of 5,057 registered applicants, 4,513 qualified candidates were accepted into the program, comprising 2,392 males and 2,121 females. The opening ceremony, held on Friday 15th August 2025, was moderated by Oluwatoyin Odunlana, Head of Programs and Operations, SDSN Youth Nigeria.
In his welcome address, Network Coordinator of SDSN Youth Nigeria, Emmanuel Ola Olowoyo, who represented Professor Ngozi Odiaka, said it was a privilege to welcome the new cohort. He noted that since SDSN Nigeria was inaugurated in 2022, youths across the 36 states have continued to champion transformative change in society. He urged participants to fully commit to the program, stressing that the mission is to build a community of exceptional leaders who will advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Delivering the keynote, Professor Patrick Paul Walsh, Program Associate, Networks and Youth, SDSN, emphasized that SDSN, founded in 2012, plays a critical role in mobilizing academic thought leadership, partnerships, and governance structures to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He outlined transformative education pillars of the network, which include content, pedagogy and training, community, and thought leadership.
Similarly, Raquel Armendariz Sucuna, Program Associate, Networks and Youth, SDSN, aligned her message with this year’s International Youth Day theme, Youth Localizing the SDGs. She urged participants to equip themselves with skills and knowledge to drive impact in their communities. “Now that you are about to start, think about who you want to become and the specific change you want to bring to your community,” she said.
President of SDSN Nigeria, Ayokunle Afeez, delivered a goodwill message, encouraging participants to be consistent and resilient. He acknowledged that combining the program with daily activities may be challenging but advised them to persevere to the end.
Project Lead of Cohort 7, Mayowa Sholola, described the program as an avenue for youths to make meaningful global impact. He explained that the four-month training is structured into three phases: masterclasses and self-paced learning, a school project, and community advocacy. He cautioned participants against missing deadlines or neglecting activities, noting that such actions could lead to disqualification.
The ceremony also featured testimonials from alumni of Cohort 6.
Chinenye Nwanolue, a participant, said the program helped her move from “awareness to action,” stressing that impact is not always about money.
Ahmad Lawal, Katsina Team Lead, described it as a game changer that deepened his understanding of the SDGs and connected him with like-minded individuals.
Maureen Ikeh, Lagos Cohort 6 Coordinator, called it “an amazing journey,” saying it stretched her capacity to manage a global community and strengthened her human relationship skills.
- In his closing remarks, Head of Project and Strategy, Oluwatobiloba Ojuoluwa, a member of the pioneer cohort, urged participants to take deadlines seriously and be exemplary leaders others can emulate.
The moderator, Oluwatoyin Odunlana, announced that the first masterclass session will hold on 22nd August 2025, urging participants to stay updated via the WhatsApp group and email channels.
