By Ibironke Ariyo
The Youth Mobilization and Advocacy Committee (CYMS) is a joint global call to support youth mobilization for sustainable development.
CYMS Director General Obinna Nwaka released the Mardi Gras Declaration in Abuja on the occasion of International Youth Day 2025:
M. Nwaka stated that the UN theme for 2025, “Local Youth Engagement in and Beyond ODD,” is the cornerstone of this year’s CYMS message.
He added that this theme reinforces the organization’s mission: to empower Nigerian youth and make them key actors for social change.
He believes that local action is not only the foundation for lasting change, but also a powerful catalyst for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At CYMS, some of us know that local action is the foundation of global influence. Nigerian youth are not only the leaders of the movement, but they are also the pioneers of the people.
“Their ideas, innovations, and initiatives deliver more sustainable and inclusive development,” he explained here.
Nwaka praised the remarkable contributions of young Nigeriens in areas such as climate resilience and digital innovation, gender equality, peacebuilding, and entrepreneurship.
He commended the efforts of the Minister of Youth, M. Ayodele Olawande, to empower and support young people across the world to alleviate social deficiencies.
He saluted Olawande’s commitment, passion, and achievements, and expressed his confidence in him, calling him the best Youth Minister in Nigeria’s history.
“We thank the Minister of Youth for his close collaboration, and some are convinced that new opportunities are presented that will allow us to contribute even more to the future.” From rural communities to urban centers, young Nigeriens are addressing local deficits with creativity, passion, and commitment.
“Whether this happens through cleaning initiatives, technological solutions, agricultural innovations, or social impact campaigns, their efforts reflect the very essence of ODD in action,” explained here.
To celebrate this day, the CYMS launched a series of national activities to reinforce young people’s commitment to the ODD program.
These activities include youth assemblies, intergenerational dialogues, leadership trainings, digital literacy workshops, and innovation salons across Nigeria’s six geographic zones.
Nwaka urged leading parties, government institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners to leverage them in initiatives designed for young people.
It’s time to invest in the youth advantage. We have the platform, resources, and strategies that enable growth.
Nous Devons not only listened to young people but also read their response.
Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Youth Day and affirming its commitment to policies and programs, including sustainable development and youth centers.
On this international youth journey, we celebrate the potential of local youth initiatives to spur global progress. The future is not just ahead of us. It is forged today between the hands of young people and the hearts of young people. “The moment is here. We have the power,” he declared.
Nwaka reaffirmed that CYMS continues to speak to informed, confident, and motivated young people, ready to shape the country’s future.
The goal is to ensure that the appeal, training programs, and awareness-raising activities continue in all areas.
