Youth Evolve: Turning Restless Energy into Resilient Progress

by Ruhamah Ifere

International Youth Day is one of my favourite commemorations as a young changemaker, not just for the celebrations, but for the stories. The stories of young people who have risen above odds, who have faced challenges head-on, and who have prevailed. These stories fuel my belief that youth potential is not a myth. It is a living, breathing force waiting to be fully unleashed.

Yet, I know some of us have wondered what exactly are we celebrating on August 12?  Especially in this disruptive world, where the hurdles facing young people often feel like mountains. I have asked myself this same question. And my conclusion is simple: “We celebrate not because the road is easy, but because the journey is necessary”.

It’s important to remember that young people make up more than 50% of Nigeria’s population. That is not just a number, it is a responsibility. The onus is on us to prove that this majority can be a driving force for meaningful development when properly harnessed.

But before we go further, let’s reflect: “Who is a youth?”

According to both the Nigerian framework and the United Nations, “youth” refers to a person within a certain age bracket. Yet beyond the numbers, youth is a phase of energy, creativity, and potential. The real question is—how have we, as Nigerian youths, fared under this definition?

Let me take you back to 2019. I was eager to contribute to Nigeria’s democratic processes, so I volunteered as an Election Observer with the Centre for Democracy and Development. The “Not Too Young To Run” Act had just been signed into law. Many of us thought it would trigger a wave of youthful political participation. But to my shock, I was met with apathy. Youths disengaged from the very processes that could shape their future.

That experience stirred something in me. It led me to create The Youth Evolve, a platform to empower young people to become active change agents and peacebuilders who don’t just watch from the sidelines, but step into governance and development processes. Over time, this initiative grew into Truly Verify Africa, where we now focus on equipping African youths to combat disinformation and propaganda, empowering them to be truth advocates in an era of misinformation.

Here’s the truth: in today’s fast-moving, AI-driven world, evolving as a youth requires more than just restlessness, ambition, or dreams. These are the sparks, but the real fire comes from consistent action, commitment, and the willingness to build something sustainable.

Just like the theme for the International Youth Day 2025 –  “Local Youth Actions for Sustainable Goals” And before you can go global, you must first go local.

I know, the word “local” often gets a bad rep. Some people imagine it means unrefined, backward, or out of touch. But I know a remarkable changemaker—Daniel Nwaeze who proudly calls himself “Local Man.” His work began right here in Nigeria, serving his community, advocating for youth empowerment, and creating platforms for young voices. Today, his “local” commitment has taken him across borders to speak internationally. That’s the power of starting where you are.

In fact, the challenges facing young people today require *local solutions* to achieve global goals: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are the 17 global goals set by the United Nations to create a better world by 2030. And here is the good news: We still have five years left. Five years to act.

So I ask you:

How have you volunteered?

How are you contributing to your community?

What legacy will your restless energy leave behind?

The truth is, to truly evolve, you must invest in yourself. Understand the issues you care about. Volunteer your Time, Talent, and Treasure. Create innovative solutions that outlive you.

Because when youth evolve, the world does not just change—it *revolves* towards *progress, peace, and prosperity*.