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WORLD CLEAN UP DAY 2023

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On 16th September 2023, the world celebrated World Cleanup Day, an annual event that unites millions of people across the globe to clean up their communities and promote environmental consciousness. This year’s theme, “Celebrate the Earth,” is a call to preserve the Earth as well as shed light on the pressing issue – poor waste disposal and its detrimental effects on our environment. 

 
World Cleanup Day 2023 was an opportunity for the people to come together and take a stand for their environment.
 
Our concentration was on Orisumbare Market, in Osogbo. Market people are an essential part of the community, and their involvement in this project was crucial. They experience the effects of poor waste management daily and could make a significant impact on the cleanliness of their surroundings.
 
Our mission aligned with one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. This goal emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to clean water and adequate sanitation for all. By cleaning up our community, we contribute to a healthier environment, protecting our water sources and promoting sanitation awareness.
 
The project spanned a single day but left a lasting impression. We had an incredible team of 26 dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event a success. YTOP Global, in collaboration with the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Osun State, YALI Network Osun, coordinated this inspiring initiative.
 
We had volunteers from YTOP Global. Ekundayo Oluwadamilare, who is the Executive Director, YTOP Global, was a participant and a major motivation for other volunteers. Famogbiyele Timilehin,a graduate of civil engineering who specializes in environmental engineering, was also a participant. 
We also had in attendance Adekunle Maryam, a penultimate student of Management and Accounting who specializes in financial analysts. Ilori Cornelius, a specialist in toxicology and inhibitory studies, actively partook in the movement.
Finally, in attendance was Olasupo Caroline, who specializes in environmental literature and also a fervent SDG 6 advocatee.
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With so much determination, we reached approximately 500 market people who were receptive to our cause. Together, we collected about 50 kilograms of waste. This achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when a community joins hands together for a common goal.
 
Furthermore, our project benefited from the presence of nine dedicated health officers who ensured that safety and hygiene standards were upheld throughout the cleanup.
 
World Cleanup Day 2023 in Osogbo was an inspiring demonstration of what can be achieved when organizations and people unite for a common goal. With our environment in crisis, it is important that we continue to celebrate our planet by taking practical steps towards its preservation.
 
This project not only brought people together but also contributed to the realization of SDG 6. It reminded us that change is possible when we work collectively. 
 
As we move forward, let’s carry the spirit of ‘Celebrate the Earth’ in our hearts.

World Food Day 2023: Championing Sustainable Water Management and Wastage Reduction for Food Security

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World Food Day 2023 became a platform for a profound message – one that delves deep into an issue that is often taken for granted: the vital role of water management and the reduction of wastage in securing our food future. Our project, aptly named “Water Wisdom for Food’s Future,” unfolded across two Nigerian states, Osun and Kwara, and extended its embrace to communities in Ife East LGA, Ife Central LGA, and Ilorin South LGA.

The heart of our project was driven by a resounding theme – the responsible utilization of water resources. In a world where water scarcity threatens millions, and as we are acutely aware of the intricate connection between water, food, and inclusivity, the necessity of responsible water management has never been more apparent. This initiative aligns harmoniously with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for Clean Water and Sanitation.

Our project targeted a vital audience – secondary school students, many of whom are poised to shape the future, including future agricultural landscapes. Alongside our dedicated team members, our collaborators in the form of school principals played a pivotal role in our outreach. Over the course of three days, our three-member strong team embarked on this mission, each tending to their respective location with unwavering dedication.

The genesis of our project lies in the staggering fact that approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean water. Recognizing this as an immediate and global issue, we were spurred into action to raise awareness and contribute to the resolution of this global crisis. The heart of our mission was to educate individuals about the significance of their daily water consumption habits and the profound effect these habits can have on the environment. Water, we realized, is not just a resource; it is life itself.

Our primary objective was to enlighten individuals about effective water management practices, which ultimately can lead to a significant reduction in wastage. This was achieved through an array of activities tailored to school visits, with a specific focus on students and youth.

The beneficiaries of our project were the secondary school students, the future custodians of our world. We reached out to a total of 213 students. To disseminate our message effectively, we utilized a multi-pronged approach – in-person teaching sessions combined with informative videos shared across various social media platforms.

Recognizing that education and awareness are the stepping stones to long-term change, we designed a plan to continuously remind students of their learnings and encourage them to practice water management at home, thus creating a ripple effect that would spread awareness further.

To assess the impact of our project and monitor its effectiveness, we distributed a survey aimed at gauging the knowledge of water management among our participants. This approach allowed us to identify areas where further efforts could be concentrated and allowed us to fine-tune our approach for maximum impact.

In conclusion, as we mark World Food Day in 2023, we do so with a resolute commitment to championing sustainable water management and wastage reduction. This is not just a project; it’s a mission to secure our food future, where abundance and accessibility to nutritious food are not luxuries but the birthright of every individual. We invite you to be part of this vital conversation and to stand with us as we empower communities to embrace water wisdom for a food-secure world. Together, we can sow the seeds of a brighter future, where food is not just sustenance, but a symbol of hope and prosperity for all.

Major Challenge Youths Face Today and Preferring Actionable Solutions to its Effects

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Extract from Shedrack Edward article

Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population is a source of immense potential for the nation’s growth and development. However, this demographic advantage also presents a significant challenge.  As the youth population continues to grow rapidly, the Nigerian economy struggles to generate enough job opportunities to accommodate them.

Unemployment is a major challenge youths face in Nigeria and it has caused severe social issues and economic implications. The inability of the government to meet the need to absorb the rising number of young job seekers has led to widespread frustration, social unrest, and a waste of valuable human resources. One of the most effective ways to address youth unemployment is through skill development. Nigerian youth must be equipped with practical skills that align with the demands of the job market. Collaborations between educational institutions and industries can bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that graduates possess relevant skills. The government should allocate funds to support vocational training centers that provide specialized training in high-demand sectors like technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Encouraging youth entrepreneurship can stimulate job creation and economic growth. Government initiatives, such as providing low-interest loans and business mentorship programs, can empower young people to start their own businesses. Entrepreneurial hubs and incubators can foster an environment where innovative ideas are nurtured and developed into successful enterprises. These efforts can diversify the economy and reduce the dependency on traditional employment.

Digital literacy programs can equip young Nigerians with essential technological skills, opening doors to remote work, freelancing, and online businesses. By investing more in internet infrastructure and offering affordable training programs, the government can empower youth to tap into the global digital economy.

Agriculture remains a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy. However, outdated farming practices, insecurity, and lack of access to modern technologies hinder the sector’s growth potential. By introducing modern farming techniques, providing access to credit and facilitating value chain development, young Nigerians can be enticed to engage in agriculture as a viable career option.

Government policies play a pivotal role in shaping the employment landscape. Reforms that encourage private sector growth, foreign investment, and ease of doing business can create a suitable environment for job creation. Simplified bureaucracy, reduced corruption, and transparent regulatory frameworks will attract more businesses, leading to increased employment opportunities. The government should partner with the private sector to address youth unemployment. Corporate social responsibility initiatives that focus on skill development, internships, and mentorship can provide young people with practical experiences and networking opportunities. This collaboration can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.

Lastly, youth unemployment in Nigeria is a challenge that demands urgent attention and innovative solutions. By prioritizing skill development, supporting entrepreneurship, enhancing digital literacy, revitalizing the agricultural sector, implementing policy reforms, and fostering collaboration with the private sector, Nigeria can create a more inclusive and prosperous future for its youth. The combined efforts of the government, private sector, educational institutions, and civil society will be essential in turning the tide and unlocking the true potential of Nigerian youth.

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VOICE OUT – Sensitizing the Public Against Gender Violence and Child Abuse

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This report provides a comprehensive overview of the “VOICE OUT” project, a joint undertaking by the Voice Out Initiative and YTOP Global.

The main aim of Project VOICE OUT was to enhance public awareness and foster a deeper understanding of gender violence and child abuse. It is widely recognized that children who experience or witness emotional, physical, or sexual abuse face an increased likelihood of encountering health issues in adulthood, including mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

To address this pressing concern, the organization embarked on a series of visits to several secondary schools in Ile-Ife, intending to educate students about the critical importance of speaking out against all forms of abuse. The ultimate goal was to mitigate trauma and create a safer environment by actively empowering young individuals to oppose such harmful acts.

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  1. Collaboration:
Voice Out Initiative and YTOP Global joined forces to organize and execute the “VOICE OUT” project. This collaboration brought together expertise, resources, and a shared commitment to addressing the pressing issue of gender violence and child abuse.
  1. Target Audience:
The project targeted secondary school students, recognizing the importance of early education and prevention in combating gender violence and child abuse by engaging with this age group, the project aimed to empower students to recognize signs of abuse and encourage them to speak out to protect themselves and others.
  1. School Visits and Education:
The project team visited several secondary schools, conducting interactive sessions to educate students about the importance of speaking out against abuse. The sessions covered topics such as recognizing different forms of abuse, understanding the psychological and emotional impact, and providing practical strategies for seeking help and support.
  1. Empowering Students:
The project emphasized empowering students to become advocates against gender violence and child abuse. Through open discussions, role plays, and case studies, students were encouraged to develop empathy, build resilience, and understand their rights. They were also provided with resources and helpline information to access support when needed.
  1. Trauma Prevention:
The project’s focus on speaking out aimed to prevent trauma by emphasizing the significance of timely reporting and intervention. Students were educated about the importance of breaking the silence and seeking help, reducing the long-term effects of abuse on their well-being.
  1. Awareness Campaign:
In addition to school visits, the “VOICE OUT” project included an awareness campaign through social media, community engagement, and partnership with local organizations. These efforts aimed to extend the project’s reach, raise public awareness, and encourage dialogue surrounding gender violence and child abuse.
Outcomes and Impact:
  The “VOICE OUT” project yielded significant outcomes and impact:   – Increased awareness: The project raised awareness among secondary school students about gender violence and child abuse, equipping them with the knowledge to identify and respond to such issues.   – Empowered students: Students gained the confidence to speak out against abuse and take preventive actions, fostering a culture of safety and support through interactive sessions and discussions.   – Strengthened partnerships: Collaboration between Voice Out Initiative and YTOP Global demonstrated the power of collective efforts in addressing societal challenges effectively.   – Community involvement: The awareness campaign and community engagement activities sparked conversations and encouraged a collective responsibility to combat gender violence and child abuse.
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The “VOICE OUT” project, a collaborative effort between the Voice Out Initiative and YTOP Global, effectively raised awareness and sensitized the public to the pressing issues of gender violence and child abuse. Through targeted visits to secondary schools and comprehensive educational initiatives, the project’s primary objective was to empower students to denounce abuse and contribute to preventing traumatic experiences, thereby fostering a safer environment.

The project’s remarkable achievements in awareness-raising, student empowerment, and community engagement have yielded significant results in combating gender violence and child abuse. Maintaining ongoing support and collaboration is imperative to ensure this initiative’s sustained and expanded positive impact, ultimately fostering a secure and inclusive society for all individuals.

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Brief Report on The Rise of 100 leaders

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Due to the upcoming election process, the program had to take place virtually with consideration of all stakeholders. The highlights of day 2 and 3 classes focus on effective communication and the art of public speaking, respectively. Effectively facilitated by Ayo-Ajakaiye Oluwadamilola and Ekundayo Oluwadamilare, participants communicated effectively and corporately in different social setups like chat management, corporate gathering, interpersonal relationships, self-introductions, and many more. To grace the occasion, all participants had to take a communication self-evaluation test to grade their communication skills and seek room for improvement.

In light of the election period, participants were asked to assess the country’s leadership structure and decipher some possible model structures to solve those issues. Participants were also put through a defined way of communication in response to the unrest during the election process.

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Each class was rounded up with a task-based assessment of every participant. As they had to lead the upcoming generation, everyone was placed in a group to enhance collaboration and effective leadership. So far, the response rate has been high, with a participation of 60% during the virtual program, and we expect more participation when the physical classes resume.

Each class was rounded up with a task-based assessment of every participant. As they had to lead the upcoming generation, everyone was placed in a group to enhance collaboration and effective leadership. So far, the response rate has been high, with a participation of 60% during the virtual program, and we expect more participation when the physical classes resume.

YTOP Global is committed to raising leaders, and with this initiative, we are raising the leaders of tomorrow “TODAY.”

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Leadership in the 21st Century: The Rise of YTOPs – Nurturing Mentor-Leaders for a Better Tomorrow

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Leadership is a global topic in which many invest millions to learn to be better and exemplary leaders. Many need to know that the traditional functioning of leadership cannot be effective in the 21st Century times due to a significant gap in the tides of time.  

To be a leader in a global, fast-pacing, digitally enabled Century with a high speed of information transitioning and innovations, you either upgrade yourself or get stuck in the traditional pedagogies.  

Leadership in the 21st Century is defined by how you learn, what you learn, and who you learn from. This is why YTOP Global has carefully curated a leadership training initiative to equip upcoming potential leaders with the skills they need to be exemplary leaders in the 21st Century.

The Rise of YTOPs is a leadership training specifically for 100 selected potential leaders at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. This is an exclusive event designed to train top-notch individuals across the 13 faculties of the University.

PROJECT 100 is an intensive 15-week program focused on nurturing, breeding, training, raising, and empowering youth with advanced knowledge and skills, efficient and effective capacity every young leader should have to function effectively as the “LEADERS OF TOMORROW” by being ‘LEADERS TODAY”.

These leaders are given the title MENTOR-LEADER such that they are trained, and coached by top leaders in the leading industry firms and mentored intensively during this period and engaged in community development projects. They are projected as leaders who will raise and mentor other leaders in the present and coming generation

This will be a platform to explore new ideas through action research and project work, share best practices, and network with other great leaders. We believe that this gathering of leaders will be invaluable in helping us shape the future of society as they will be fit enough to be leaders and representatives of the country and themselves locally, globally, and internationally.

The programme would cover a variety of topics, including leadership challenges and weaknesses, personal development approaches and methods, career development and advancement, the value of having an effective mentor, networking strategies, and much more. Leaders would be taught what leadership entails, how to form a workable and productive team, and how to take charge as change-makers, using their voice, skills, and innovation to project positive change for the betterment of society, with the help of a strategic coaching method from the top players of leading industries in Nigeria.

Participants in the programme receive group coaching, and also complete community projects and activities to put what they have learned into practise. After the program, each participant is connected to a top player in their field of interest.

YTOP Global (an acronym for Young, Talented, Optimistic, and Full of Potential) is a youth-led non-governmental organisation passionate about developing the competence of youths to make a sustainable impact that is geared towards SDG solutions. She registered as a corporate body under the Corporate Affairs Commission as the YTOP YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION with the Registration Code: RC179444.

YTOP Global, as an organisation that works on youth development believes that everyone has talents and is filled with potential, and if given a platform to learn, share, collaborate, and explore, goals will be easily achieved. YTOP Global is created to influence teenagers and youths positively, enhance self- and purpose-discovery, and channel discovered abilities into proper and efficient use.

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THE STRUGGLES OF A GIRL CHILD

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The Girl Child is a biological female offspring from birth to the period before one becomes a young adult. During this period, the girl child is malleable, she has to build and develop her personality and character. She is dependent on significant others on whom she moulds her behaviour through observation, repetition and imitation.

 

In our society today, the Girl Child is seen as the lesser and weaker of the two beings of the human species. The Girl Child is not only being considered the lesser of the human species but is also neglected. The Girl Child struggles to survive and be heard in the society because boys are given preferential treatment over her. She is discriminated against in access to educational opportunities, food and nutrition.

 

The Girl Child is prone to being victim of so many social vices. She is prone to rape, early marriage which interferes with her education or acquisition of skills needed for survival, poor nutrition which contributes to greater vulnerability to diseases and poor physical and mental development. She is prone to a greater risk of prostitution, child labour, unwanted pregnancy, kidnapping and human trafficking.

 

There is an adage that says ” educate a man, you educate an individual, but educate a woman, you educate a nation”.

Children are future leaders of tomorrow and mothers are guardians of the future, the first aim of every family and society should be to raise healthy and productive individuals who are physically, psychologically, socially and mentally well developed. This can be achieved through the education of the girl child who is the mother of tomorrow.

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A girl child who is neglected, exposed to all forms of social vices and denied education cannot raise a nation because she is helpless herself. Beliefs must be changed about the value of the girl child. Rapid economic development is dependent on the elimination of gender bias. Parents have an important role in helping the female child achieve the basic necessities of survival and development.

 

The Girl Child suffers from inequality. Her voice is not allowed to be heard because society has placed so much importance on the boy child so much so that the girl child is viewed as not being able to contribute to the growth and development of the society. More resources are allocated to the boy child than the girl child. Most people believe that political positions should not be given to the girl child due to the stereotypical opinion that women are incapable of leadership. Government must focus more resources on reducing the inequalities between boys and girls, change discriminatory laws and establish political stability.

 

This is where the United Nations comes in with the International Day of the Girl Child. The United Nations recognized October 11th to be the International Day for the Girl Child in December 2012. It’s been ten years already.

 

The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated on October 11 to raise awareness of girls’ rights and the particular difficulties they encounter around the world.

 

It was the thought that girls had no place in school and no say in important policies affecting the whole of humanity that brought about the need for awareness.

 

As we celebrate today, we see that with tenacity and resilience, there has been increased attention on issues that matters to the girl child amongst government, policy makers and the general public. More opportunities have been created for the Girl Child to have her voice heard on the global stage.

 

More work still needs to be done but we need to reflect on ourselves. What do you think You as an individual, are doing that harms the Girl Child? What are you doing to enhance the development of the Girl Child?

 

The answers to these questions would determine if you support the girl child or if you are against it. The feminine gender is strong, and can do more if given the chances and opportunities.

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YTOP and Friends day 1 beep

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A lot of questions were asked and the responses were power-packed. 

Kudos to our Host and Co-host: Ayopelumi and Oladepo Praise and to our panelists: Tolulope Oguntayo, Oyediran Samuel, Stella Arowolo, and Ekundayo Oluwadamilare for the beautiful sections. 

The virtual class kicks off with Ayopelumi talking about how the origin of the topic came to be. She said the inspiration for the topic was brought about by the global strike affecting the university student and what would be the next step to make things happen and to make young minds like you and I have relevance in this evolving world. 

She continued the segment by asking our panelists her first question. 

QUESTION: How will you define purpose and how has purpose helped you develop your global relevance so far? 

Tolulope Oguntayo answered the question first saying “ I am a Christian and I would relate the definition of purpose to Christianity.” 

She continued by saying Purpose discovery can be found in and outside God, he has deposited your purpose inside you and it’s left to you to discover it.

 She ended her answer by advising young minds not to mix purpose with career because discovering your purpose comes with clarity and clarity has helped her achieve her purpose. 

Ekundayo Oluwadamilare continued from where she stopped by also mentioning God. 

Saying “I asked God why I was here on earth?” He stated that God made him focus on the right thing. 

He ended by saying purpose discovery lets you do the right thing. 

Ayopelumi the Host continued from there and asked the second question. 

QUESTION: How do you manage your time with purpose discovery? 

Arowolo Stella answered the question joyfully saying “Doing the right things that align to your purpose helps you do the right thing and manage your time rightly.” 

She stated that once you don’t know your purpose, you won’t be able to manage your time. 

Oyediran Samuel continued from where she stopped saying “Time management depends on self-discipline.”

He further stated that you can manage your time well by making use of TRELLO (Trello is a project management app) for your task and setting an alarm to back it up, you can also make notes of your schedule for the following day because that will make you prioritize and help you filter out the relevant task and the ones that aren’t relevant. 

He ended by saying “When you grow, you lose friends, and don’t be worried as the friends you lose are not aligned with your purpose.” 

Ayopelumi continued by asking another interesting question. 

QUESTION: Tell us about competence development, the things you are doing in developing competence, how you have been developing competence, and how this has influenced you. 

Ekundayo Oluwadamilare started by saying “Competence Development is Capacity Development, Capacity Development is Personal Development.” 

He continued by saying “Responsibility will stretch out your potential; Get yourself doing something productive.”

Ekundayo ended it all by saying he took up responsibility and initiative from people, which has helped him discover his global relevance. 

Tolulope Oguntayo picked up from there by saying “ Have it at the back of your mind that learning never ends.  If you are doing something and you are getting fired then you need to go back to the place of learning.”

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She further stated that “In building global competence you should understand that learning never ends.” If you see people in your field doing perfectly well and you want to achieve the same, you have to ask yourself, do they stop learning? So never stop learning. 

She ended by saying In competence building you have to learn to check yourself, If you want to build your competence, you must know how to make research. 

Samuel Oyediran also has something to say, he said: “Skills are not the certificate you get but the ability to do a work the right way.”

He continued by saying your skills are the professional expertise that will bring out your Global Relevance and if you want to develop global relevance, you need to know what you want. 

When Samuel was asked about how he developed his Global Relevance, he said and I quote “I don’t joke with networking, any program I join I make sure I have something to offer.”

He also backed what Tolulope Oguntayo said by saying “never stop learning if you want to develop your global relevance.”

He further stated that youths should focus on the process of Competence Development because the process is like a map and you must have a track record first. 

He ended by saying “Know what you want in this world, though you will be used but it will be your strength.” 

Oladepo Praise the Co-host continued from there by asking a powerful question. 

QUESTION: What are the pot-holes to avoid in building competence? 

Tolulope Oguntayo made a straight answer saying “Avoid pressure as you go into the Global Relevance”

I agree with her and I believe with how things her in this world, we should avoid pressure. 

Oladepo praise forwards her next question to Ekundayo Oluwadamilare. 

Question: What are your definition of friendship and the effect of a relationship in building an impactful life? 

Ekundayo Oluwadamilare answered by saying “Friendship is coming together of like minds that have the same alignment of work and doings” 

He further stated by supporting Samuel on his point which says “you tend to lose your friends as you grow” but be rest assured that it’s a major thing of growth as the friends you lose do not align with your work and doings. 

Oladepo praise directed her 3rd question to Oyediran Samuel.

Question: Impact of environment on Global Relevance. 

Oyediran Samuel answered by saying “Environment matters and what you see matters. You need to see the bigger picture in any environment you find yourself. 

Oladepo praise asked Stella Arowolo another question. 

QUESTION: For Introverts, what advice do you have for them in developing global relevance? 

Stella Arowolo said and I quote “Attract value to yourself because value attracts value.” 

She further stated that value is never silent and there is always a platform for you to explore what you are doing for people to discover you even as an introvert. 

With that, we came to the end of the panelist questions and answers segment, and the floor was opened for the participant to ask their questions. 

Participants asked a lot of questions and they got their responses. Among the participant, we have Peter Adeleke’s question. 

Question: How do you decide what to focus on as a multitalented person? 

Ekundayo Oluwadamilare responded by saying “You need to build competence and strength first on a major thing then you pick one at a time to further develop yourself.” 

Tolulope Oguntayo added saying “You can decide what to focus on by making use of the necessity and important analysis.” 

With that, we came to the end of day one and I believe you agree with me you missed a lot if you were not part of us. 

The program continues tomorrow, another chance to join our panelists and bring those questions you have about Global Relevance. 

Same time, the same place. See you soon.