EU Invests In Nigeria’s Future, Empowers Youth With New Sounding Board

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a stable, united, prosperous, and sustainable Nigeria, emphasizing the crucial role young people play in achieving this vision.

The EU recently inaugurated the second cohort of the Youth Sounding Board (YSB) Nigeria, comprising 25 young individuals from across the country.

The YSB serves as a platform for young Nigerians to directly influence EU policies and programs in the country.

EU Ambassador-designate to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, highlighted the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future.

“Young people are the future,” he stated, acknowledging the generational gap and the need to incorporate diverse perspectives.

The YSB, according to Mignot, was established to ensure that the EU’s interventions are truly impactful at the local level.

  “Only young people know what other young people expect, need, and yearn for,” he emphasized.

The second cohort of the YSB was selected through a rigorous process involving over 3,000 applications.

Each member demonstrates a strong passion for youth inclusion and is expected to build upon the successes of the first cohort.

Iswat Badmus, a member of the inaugural YSB cohort and youth development expert, shared her experience.

  “Being a YSB member has been eye-opening,” she stated, explaining the importance of bridging the gap between young people and decision-makers.

She advised the new cohort to bring fresh perspectives and work collaboratively to effectively advocate for youth interests.

The EU’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through the YSB demonstrates its dedication to building a brighter future for the country.

The platform offers a valuable space for young voices to be heard and for their contributions to be recognized in shaping a sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.