In celebration of International Youth Day 2025, the Development of Educational Action Network (DEAN) Initiative has unveiled the Top 10 Emerging Youth Voices in Civic Leadership young leaders whose bold actions are advancing inclusion, justice, and sustainability in Nigeria in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This recognition comes at a time when civic voices in Nigeria face increasing challenges, including government clampdowns, reduced activism, and shrinking platforms for advocacy. Despite this, these young Nigerians continue to stand firm, championing the rights of the marginalized, underrepresented, and oppressed.

The honourees are celebrated for their contributions across diverse fields, from social accountability and electoral integrity to climate justice and human rights.

READ ALSO: IYD: Nigeria Beyond Politics; The Role of Youth in Development in a Dynamic Digital World

The Top 10 Emerging Youth Voices in Civic Leadership 2025:

1. Ifenla Oligbinde – Inclusion advocate and founder of Ark and Rainbow Development Foundation (ARDEF).
2. Emmanuel Sani – Lawyer and civic leader advancing digital transparency at PROMAD Foundation.
3. Ojonugwa Yahaya – Advocate for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and sustainable development.
4. Yusuff Liadi Abiodun – Civic innovator and founder of iLEAD Africa, promoting youth participation in governance.
5. Yazid S. Mikail – Data scientist and environmental leader driving youth-led climate action.
6. Ewa Blessing – Environmental champion and founder of YASIF Nigeria, empowering women and youth.
7. Chima Ernest Okoli – Literacy promoter and inclusion advocate through Buddy Bookclub and sports development.
8. Emmanuel Humanity Obiabo – Founder of StateCraft Foundation, mobilizing youth for civic and community leadership.
9. Fasasi Sodiq – Founder of Fasasi Youth Foundation (FYF), continental advocate for inclusive development.

Speaking on the recognition, DEAN Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying the voices of young people who are redefining civic leadership in Nigeria, despite the shrinking democratic space.

“We celebrate these ten remarkable individuals who, through passion and resilience, are making Nigeria more inclusive, just, and sustainable,” the organisation stated.

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“Eze G.C. Onwuka and the Rebirth of Umutowe” Chronicles One King’s Stand Against Gender-Based Violence, Drug Abuse, and Harmful Cultural Norms

A newly released documentary from the WABMA Foundation is drawing national attention to the remarkable story of reform led by a traditional ruler in southeastern Nigeria.

“Eze G.C. Onwuka and the Rebirth of Umutowe” captures the courageous leadership of His Royal Majesty, Eze G.C. Onwuka, as he breaks cultural taboos to tackle Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), drug abuse, and oppressive widowhood practices in Umutowe Autonomous Community, Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA.

The 19-minute documentary blends gripping visuals with firsthand testimonies from survivors, community members, and the king himself.

Once a place where women were excluded from land ownership, widows were oppressed, and drug abuse among youth was rampant, Umutowe is now undergoing a quiet transformation — driven by one king’s vision of justice, dignity, and inclusion.

“Those things we were practicing before, we don’t practice them now in this community,” says Eze Onwuka in the film. “The changes are manifesting in their own way. Most of these problems come from lack of education — that’s why we have to educate them.”

Produced under the WABMA Foundation’s SGBV advocacy program and supported by the Ford Foundation, the documentary tells the stories of:
• A woman Vice President General (PG) appointed into the king’s cabinet;
• A rape survivor’s family that found legal justice with palace backing;
• A widow freed from degrading rites and provided support;
• Youths now feeling safer due to the impact of the king’s community security initiative.

Now Streaming on YouTube

“Eze G.C. Onwuka and the Rebirth of Umutowe” is now available for public viewing on YouTube at:

The documentary will also feature in ongoing community engagement screenings, grassroots advocacy campaigns, and SGBV policy dialogues across Abia State and the Southeast region.

WABMA Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate Sexual and Gender-Based Violence by investing in community-based education and empowering the next generation to become change agents in their schools and communities.

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As part of activities marking this year’s World Environment Day 2025, Unity Bank Plc convened a high-impact webinar that brought together environmental activists, climate change advocates, and industry experts to demand urgent and coordinated efforts to tackle Nigeria’s mounting plastic pollution crisis.

The virtual event, organized by Unity Bank’s Sustainability Team, aligned with the United Nations’ global theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution”, and served as a rallying point for stakeholders to propose innovative and sustainable strategies to curb the country’s growing plastic waste problem.

Environmental activists and climate change advocates seized the opportunity of a webinar hosted by Unity Bank to call for urgent and coordinated action to tackle Nigeria’s growing plastic pollution crisis, describing it as one of the greatest environmental threats facing the country today.

The call was made at the event marking this year’s World Environment Day facilitated by Unity Bank’s Sustainability Team to fashion out innovative strategies to curb plastic pollution in Nigeria in line with this year’s global theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution.”

In his remarks, Mr. Usman Abdulkadir, Executive Director, Risk Management, Unity Bank Plc, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to sustainability, adding that issues like plastic pollution carry deep risk implications for businesses and communities.

“Environmental degradation is increasingly a business risk, not just a corporate social concern,” Mr. Abdulkadir stated. “We must all begin to view environmental stewardship as a duty that cuts across sectors – finance, government, industry, and civil society. Unity Bank remains committed to integrating ESG principles into its risk frameworks and sustainability agenda.”

Guest speakers included leading waste management entrepreneurs and environmental activists such as Sunday Kolawole Sholanke, Co-founder/CEO of PETsPoint Recycling Nigeria, and Omoh Alokwe, Co-founder/CEO of Street Waste Company Limited.

Speaking at the Webinar, Mr. Sholanke decried the alarming volume of plastic waste in Nigeria, putting estimates on the country’s waste generation to about 596 million metric tonnes annually, with 88% of it neither reclaimed nor recycled.

“Nigeria ranks as the 9th highest contributor to global plastic pollution. Much of Nigeria’s plastic waste ends up in landfills, drainage systems, and water bodies, causing extensive environmental damage and posing serious health risks,” he explained.

He also shared startling global statistics: “Over one million plastic bottles and 10 million plastic bags are produced every minute. In 2020 alone, eight million tons of plastic bottles were produced globally, with less than 30% collected and under 10% recycled. The rest is dumped, burned, or abandoned in the environment, worsening risks of flooding, climate disruption, and disease.”

He identified poor waste management culture, low public awareness, and lack of community collection infrastructure as major factors aggravating the Nigeria’s plastic waste crisis.

Calling on the financial services sector to be more proactive, Sholanke urged Banks to invest in green financing by increasing access to affordable credit for green businesses and eco-friendly initiatives.

Also speaking, Omoh Alokwe emphasized the role of regulators in strengthening enforcement and updating policy frameworks to reduce harmful practices that fuel the global plastic crisis.

Also speaking in the same vain, Mr. Ibukun Coker, Head of Strategy and Innovation at Unity Bank Plc emphasized the Bank’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental protection, highlighting the role of the financial sector in driving meaningful change.

“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, it is an economic and public health crisis,” said Mr. Coker. “At Unity Bank, we believe that sustainability should be more than a policy; it must be embedded in how we operate, the projects we finance, and the partnerships we build.”

The webinar offered a platform for robust dialogue around sustainable actions and innovative solutions that can mitigate the escalating threat of plastic pollution and promote environmental protection.

Unity Bank has consistently championed environmental causes, including its annual Earth Day partnerships with non-profits such as RESWAYE to clean the Royal Beach in Elegushi, Lagos, part of its mission to protect marine ecosystems. In its most recent Earth Day campaign, the Bank challenged every staff member across 32 states to plant a tree in their locality, driving a grassroots reforestation movement and reinforcing environmental awareness.

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• How JCI Is Impacting Communities to Help Achieve the SDGs: Inclusion, Education, and Climate Action in Focus.
• Morufat Olabisi Aniso Inclusive Spelling Bee Competition for school children with special needs.
• Go Green” Project at Government Science Secondary School, Maitama

THE Junior Chamber International, JCI Abuja Unity has taken significant strides in driving real change in communities through impactful projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In a bid to promote inclusive education and climate action, the organization 2025 projects reignited hope to children with special needs during the international childrens day celebration and educated students on sustainable environment to mark world environment day.

The Morufat Olabisi Aniso Inclusive Spelling Bee, held in celebration of SDG 4 – Quality Education, brought together children from over 10 schools, including those with special needs. The competition showcased confidence, courage, and capability, with winners receiving scholarships to further their education.

Organized by JCI Abuja Unity, the event was far more than a spelling competition — it was a platform where purpose met passion, and every word spelled out a message of hope for an inclusive future. From confident contestants to thunderous applause, the atmosphere was electric as students of all abilities competed side-by-side, redefining what it means to learn, lead, and shine.

At the forefront of the day’s success were three remarkable students:

Jason Raji, from Divine Mercy Abuja, emerged as the overall Winner, taking home a ₦250,000 scholarship.

Kingsley Kawedo, representing Government Secondary School, Kwali, clinched the 1st Runner-Up position with a ₦150,000 scholarship.

Ugochukwu Chibedu, of SafeHost Academy, Kurudu, was named 2nd Runner-Up, earning a ₦50,000 scholarship.

Each participant proved that when children are given the opportunity and support, their potential knows no bounds.

The event is named in honour of JCI Senator Morufat Olabisi Aniso, a visionary leader, tireless advocate for youth development, and the Charter President of JCI Abuja Unity. Her legacy continues to inspire projects that not only elevate communities but also champion equity and empowerment.

“Through this initiative, we are advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education, by fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments for every child, regardless of ability,” said Chinelo Eze the 2025 president of JCI Abuja Unity.

The competition also drew the support of key partners such as DO Take Action, as well as a other partners who suported the project including Whitefield Hotels Limited, volunteers and schools that believed in the power of inclusion.

As the final applause faded and the winners stepped forward, one thing remained certain: the 2025 Morufat Olabisi Aniso Inclusive Spelling Bee was more than a competition — it was a celebration of every child’s right to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

In a separate initiative to mark World Environment Day 2025, JCI Abuja Unity executed its impactful “Go Green” Project at Government Science Secondary School, Maitama, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Led by JCIN Ambassador Chinelo Eze, President of JCI Abuja Unity 2025, the initiative brought together members, leaders, and volunteers in a hands-on demonstration of environmental stewardship, education, and empowerment. The project aimed to raise awareness among young students about their role in preserving the environment and to provide practical tools to help the school maintain a cleaner, greener space.

During the event, the Local Organization donated: 2 rolling dustbins (courtesy of JCIN Amb. Desmond Umukoro, 2021 President, JCI Abuja Unity), 2 perforated dustbins, and 5 tree saplings, which were planted within the school premises.

In a remarkable gesture of support for youth-driven agricultural development, JCI Sen. Oluwarotimi Adewole, past Senate Chair of JCI Nigeria, donated ₦100,000 through JCI Abuja Unity to the school’s Young Farmers Club, further encouraging student-led sustainable practices and food security efforts. Special recognition was given to the distinguished leaders whose presence and support strengthened the day’s impact: JCI Sen. Oluwarotimi Adewole, JCIN Amb. Desmond Umukoro, JCI Sen. Aina Segun Aina, 2018 NEVP (North East) and the 2025 Executive Committee and Board Members of JCI Abuja Unity

President Chinelo Eze also extended appreciation to leaders and members who, though absent, reached out with messages of support and solidarity.

“Your presence, energy, and commitment to environmental sustainability truly made a difference,” said JCIN Amb. Chinelo Eze. “Together, we inspired young minds and contributed meaningfully to the global goals of climate resilience and biodiversity preservation.”

A United Call for Environmental Responsibility

The project underscores JCI Abuja Unity’s growing leadership in climate action, community education, and grassroots environmental initiatives. By engaging students directly and providing them with tools and resources, the “Go Green” project serves as a model for youth-led change that aligns with the Sustainable Development Agenda.

As climate challenges continue to intensify, initiatives like this not only foster environmental consciousness but also empower future leaders to take action in their own communities.

**JCI Abuja Unity and DO TAKE ACTION Partner to Empower Children with Special Needs through MOA Inclusive Spelling Bee Competition and Art Exhibition**

Junior Chamber International, JCI Abuja Unity is set to host the Morufat Olabisi Aniso Inclusive Spelling Bee Competition, a groundbreaking event that puts ability over disability.

The competition, scheduled for May 30, 2025, at Novare Central Mall, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, will feature 19 children with special needs showcasing their spelling skills and confidence.

The event in partnership with DO TAKE ACTION aims to promote inclusion and celebrate the talents of children with disabilities, often left behind in academic competitions.

Over 60 participants, volunteers, parents, and partners are expected to attend and cheer on the young contestants.

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The competition is named in honor of JCI Senator Morufat Olabisi Aniso, the charter president of JCI Abuja Unity, a champion of community inclusion and empowerment. Her legacy serves as a symbol of excellence, empathy, and empowerment.

The event starts at 10:00 AM on May 30, 2025.

By hosting this competition, JCI Abuja Unity seeks to spell hope, inclusion, and a better tomorrow for children with special needs.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a global organization of young active citizens who are committed to creating positive change in their communities.