A Milestone in Youth Empowerment

Fifteen years after setting out to transform the lives of young Nigerians, the Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI) has opened a new chapter with the commissioning of its head office and youth hub in Yaba, Lagos. The organization is targeting deeper impact among adolescents across the country through this centralized facility.

The anniversary celebration brought together YEDI officials, beneficiaries, former staff, partners, and stakeholders. The event also marked the launch of the organization’s next 15-year vision and the Skillz Holiday Camp, an eight-day programme designed to equip young people with health information, mental health support, technology, and vocational skills.

This milestone is significant for an organization that has reached more than 500,000 adolescents across Nigeria. Since its inception, YEDI has touched the lives of approximately 56,000 community members through outreach programmes and referred almost 9,000 people for HIV and malaria care and treatment.

Returning to Roots in Yaba

For YEDI founder, Charlotte Obidairo, the journey from a modest beginning to an organization with a nationwide footprint has been both challenging and rewarding. She emphasized that the new youth hub represents YEDI’s determination to create a safe and supportive environment where young people can find guidance and discover opportunities.

Establishing the facility in Yaba was a strategic return to the community where the organization began its journey. The facility is intended to be more than a physical structure; it is a place where young people can navigate the difficult years of adolescence with professional support.

We are here because we are celebrating our 15th anniversary. Quite a journey, 15 years ago we set out to try and transform some of the youth of Nigeria, and now we are 15 years later with 500,000 children that we have reached so far. It's been an amazing journey.

— Charlotte Obidairo, Founder, YEDI

Obidairo identified the lack of accurate information, peer pressure, and growing mental health challenges as critical issues confronting young Nigerians today. She noted that in an era dominated by social media, mental health has become one of the primary challenges for the youth who often feel confused or pressured by digital trends.

Addressing Systemic Challenges and Drug Abuse

The organization’s co-founder, Professor TK Obidairo, expressed optimism that the impact of the initiative would become even more visible in the years ahead. However, he warned that the challenges confronting Nigerian youths require urgent attention, particularly regarding the increasing exposure of young people to substance abuse.

He lamented the weakening of community-based systems that once helped to guide and discipline young people, such as the Boy Scouts, Girls Guild, and localized parental networks. He also expressed concern over a declining sense of meritocracy in the country, which contributes to youth disillusionment.

The major challenges of youths are the easy way they get attached to drugs. And because of that, they encourage their peers to join in this drug business.

— Professor TK Obidairo, Co-founder, YEDI

Creating Safe Spaces for the Future

For YEDI Executive Director, ADEOYE Oluwatomisin, the anniversary was a "three in one celebration," marking 15 years of impact, the hub launch, and the unveiling of plans for the next phase of work. She noted that the organization’s experience has reinforced the need to give adolescents access to trusted adults and accurate information.

ADEOYE explained that young people frequently turn to their peers for information because parents and guardians sometimes find it difficult to discuss sensitive issues, including menstruation and sexual health. The youth hub is designed to bridge this gap by providing a safe space for informed decision-making.

The greatest challenge young people face is not having someone to guide them through their adolescents period.

— ADEOYE Oluwatomisin, Executive Director, YEDI

As YEDI looks beyond its first 15 years, the organization plans to draw from its journey to develop programmes that respond more effectively to the changing realities of young Nigerians. The leadership called on well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organizations to support the initiative to ensure more young people have access to guidance and opportunities for a better future.