The internet and social media give youth an enormous opportunity to amplify their voices, writes Emmanuel Olutokun, 23, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, who looks at ways these remarkable tools have been used for positive change. The youthful age offers so much opportunity, potential and prospects to build, learn, and explore. A period to …

“Our voice is in our hands” Read More »

The news media has a vital role as both a conduit and a filter of the news, writes Ibrahim Olalekan, 27, a Correspondent from Abuja in Nigeria, who argues the news media must exercise responsibility and standards in fulfilling that role. McQuail (2005) says that the term “gatekeeping” has been widely used as a metaphor to describe …

“Gate keeping in the Nigerian media” Read More »

There have been many promises on the issue of universal education, but as Musa Temidayo, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria writes, many of those commitments have not been met. Combined with ongoing conflict, the result threatens the goal of education for the world’s children.  Education has emerged to be on the frontiers of major …

“Broken promises mean education is at risk” Read More »

Youthful enthusiasm and activism have a powerful role to play in Nigeria, according to a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth. As Sola Abe, 24, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria reports, youth engagement can help Nigeria restructure for positive social change. In commemoration of the International Youth Day 2016, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, …

“Clamour for the restructuring of Nigeria” Read More »

The saying goes that “not all fingers are equal”. Some are born with a silver spoon while others create it for themselves. Gerald Nwokocha, 28, a Correspondent from Abuja, Nigeria, meets with several students who have devised ways of supporting themselves during schooling.  Despite the economic downturn in Nigeria, most students engage in many meaningful activities on …

“How students finance their own schooling” Read More »

Sexual violence has no place in a democratic society, argues Laila Johnson-Salami, 20, a Correspondent from Ibadan in Nigeria, who outlines five steps aimed at eradicating rape culture. Sexual violence has become an increasingly prevalent act in Nigeria over the years. There has been little implementation of effective policies that treat sexual violence as a serious …

“Five ways to eradicate rape culture” Read More »

Nigeria has a tremendous number of youth, and as Timi Olagunju, 30, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria writes, on International Youth Day they were challenged to take the lead in driving the country’s efforts on Sustainable Development Goals. Youth Factor, a nonprofit dedicated to articulating the youth agenda in Nigeria, partnered with Space …

“Leading sustainability from within society” Read More »

Nigeria is suffering an unemployment crisis, but Titus Igwe, one of the innovative and entrepreneurial Igwe twins, talks about giving back to his country by creating 20 million jobs through the YEAST Project in this interview with Sola Abe, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria.  Just within 36 hours after a new job portal was …

“Aiming to create 20 million jobs in ten years” Read More »

Information and computer technology offers both employment and empowerment for Nigeria’s youth, writes Isah Babayo, 28, a Correspondent from Gombe in Nigeria, who says the technology offers skills and networking opportunity. The current trend is of young people migrating from rural to urban areas in search of white collar jobs that are nowhere to be …

“The role of ICT in the future of Nigerian youth” Read More »

High fences can protect those within, but Bryan Obaji, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Calabar in Nigeria, writes that they should not be a barrier to having concern for those outside the fence who may need a good neighbour. The beauty of a house is first seen in how well decorated it is on the outside. …

“Do we need high fences or higher love?” Read More »