TheCable

Raising New Voices (RVN), a non-profit organisation, has trained youths on leadership and development across all the LGAs in Osun state. 

The programme which began in March, was concluded on November 17 with the presentation of certificates to participants.

The 10-month skill development program also equipped the youths with knowledge about political leadership, enhancing their capacity for civic and political engagement in Nigeria.

Raising New Voices Fellowship is a leadership training initiative with the target of raising 774 leaders in each LGA in the country.

Jude Feranmi, convener of the group, emphasised the critical role of youth development in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

“You cannot change the value system of a society without increasing the living conditions of the people of that society,” he said.

Adekunle Sadipe, chairman of the Osun youth advisory committee, said the state government plans “better” engagement for youths.

Victor Terhemba, RNV executive director, said Nigeria’s “major problem” is political leadership.

“This is why we introduced the new voices citizens fellowship to build and enhance the capacity of young aspiring political leaders,” he said.

Juliana Anosike, director of programmes at the Friedrich Ebert-Stiftung (FES) office in Nigeria, commended the fellowship’s importance in addressing pertinent issues.

She explained that FES’s interest in youth leadership prompted its support for the initiative, urging the fellows to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in both their personal and political spheres.

Alabi Fatimoh, a graduating fellow, expressed delight for the programme, saying she is now equipped to take up leadership roles.

“I am very grateful I was part of this fellowship. Before I joined, I had little knowledge about political participation, especially as a young woman,” she said. 

“But in the course of the fellowship, I learned a lot, and I am currently a card-carrying member of a political party.”

 Salahudeen Abeeb, a beneficiary, said the programme was “very insightful” and exceeded his expectations.