In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day, the Clement Isong Foundation (CIF), in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, invested in mentorship, training, and capacity-building initiatives for young people in Akwa Ibom State.
The event, held at the Ibeno Green Youth Hub in Ibeno Local Government Area, attracted participants from Oron, Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, and other LGAs. The theme was “Youth SDG Storytelling and Solutions Convergence.” The gathering aimed to empower youth to lead on issues spanning climate change, health, education, and peacebuilding.
Advocating for Clarity and Solutions
In his welcome address and overview of the SPAII project, Mr. Utibe Ekanem, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at CIF, emphasized the significance of the theme. He noted that in light of the current economic challenges and governance irregularities, storytelling offers clarity for communities, particularly those in remote areas like Ibeno.
Mr. Ekanem stressed that the Foundation is intentional in providing solutions to problems faced by vulnerable people. He explained that CIF seeks to offer workable ideas to policymakers and the government to ensure relief in times of disaster.
Interconnected SDGs: Health, Education, and Climate
Speaking on “Youths at the Forefront of the SDGs,” Miss Mbetobong John, Climate Justice Inspirator at ActionAid Nigeria, underscored a core message: no SDG issue can be addressed in isolation.
The groups highlighted critical challenges and issued the following calls to action:
| SDG Focus Area | Challenges Highlighted | Demands for Government |
| Good Health & Well-being | Lack of quality, affordable healthcare in rural areas and public schools. | Prioritize establishing healthcare facilities in schools, expanding community outreach, and strengthening mental health programs. |
| Quality Education | Unsafe infrastructure, lack of learning materials, and high dropout rates. | Invest in safe, well-equipped schools and accessible learning resources to ensure quality education for every child. |
| Climate Action | Flooding, plastic pollution, and air pollution from waste burning. | Invest in climate adaptation infrastructure, integrate climate education, and embed Green Youth Skills into policies. |
| Gender Equality | High rates of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), disproportionately affecting women and girls. | Call for effective implementation of GBV policies, creation of safe spaces for survivors, and provision of counseling and legal aid. |
Event Highlights and Local Support
The Vice Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Council, Hon. (Pharm.) Ukpong Okon, described the event as a welcome development to help young people discover their niche. He pledged the council’s support for the advocacy project.
Other highlights of the successful program included:
- A peer exchange and community showcase led by Ms. Edidiong Enang.
- A session on storytelling for the SDGs by Abasiama Cyril, Impact Officer at Global Shapers Community, Uyo Hub.
- The formal launch of the YouthVoicesForSDGs Campaign.
- Presentation of certificates to participants.
The Clement Isong Foundation remains committed to empowering young people with the capacity to turn their stories of community challenges into actionable policy solutions.
