Plan International Nigeria

Plan International Nigeria Plan International Nigeria is a girl and child rights organisation, implementing programs designed to strengthen and promote the rights of children and women.
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Plan International started programmes in Nigeria in 2014, following the acquisition of the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA), a USA-based international non-governmental organisation that began working in the country in 1985. Plan International Nigeria’s priorities include increasing the enrolment of school children - especially girls - in basic education, improving the healt

h of women and children, and strengthening child participation in the Nigerian children’s parliament.

21/08/2026

Before a programme reaches a classroom, a health facility or a community, someone has to help build the partnerships and mobilise the resources that make it possible. That is where Joy Akinwalere has chosen to make her mark.

With over five years of experience in resource mobilisation, partnerships and sustainable development, Joy currently serves as Business Development Advisor at Plan International Nigeria, helping connect strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to programmes advancing education, health, child protection, youth empowerment, girls’ rights and humanitarian response.

Across her career, she has worked with institutional donors, foundations, private sector organisations, government agencies and civil society actors, contributing to high-value proposals, strategic alliances and resource mobilisation efforts that help turn development ambitions into real opportunities for children, young people and communities.

But for Joy, progress is not only about what can be achieved today. It is also about creating a foundation strong enough for others to build on tomorrow.

As she puts it:
“Progress is a relay, not a race. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and our responsibility is to become the shoulders others will stand on.”

It is a powerful way to think about leadership, recognising what others have made possible for us, while deliberately creating opportunities for the people coming behind us.

Joy is doing just that: helping build the partnerships, possibilities and pathways that allow impact to travel further.

And that is what makes her one of our

.

A seat at the table matters. But helping thousands of young people claim one for themselves? That is a different level o...
20/08/2026

A seat at the table matters. But helping thousands of young people claim one for themselves? That is a different level of leadership.

For the past decade, Pius Abakpa has worked at the intersection of youth organising, social justice and public policy, turning grassroots mobilisation into platforms where young Africans can influence the decisions that shape their lives.

As Regional Convener of Activista Africa and National Coordinator of Activista Nigeria, he has helped organise and mobilise more than 5,000 young people across 11+ African countries around tax justice, democratic governance, human rights, gender equality and climate action.

His work has also translated participation into policy. Through initiatives including the Kogi Youth Summit and Democracy Youth Convening, Pius helped create spaces for young Nigerians to engage directly with policymakers advocacy that contributed to the passage of the Kogi Youth Development Commission Law and created a formal mechanism for youth participation in state governance.

And he is thinking beyond individual wins. Through the Activista Africa People’s Power Fellowship, he is helping equip a new generation of 30 young changemakers to lead in their own communities, while engagement with the African Union’s Youth Division is helping strengthen opportunities for young people to influence youth policy processes at continental level.

From supporting displaced people as a former UNHCR Young Champion for Refugees to documenting his ideas for Africa’s political future in Reimagining Governance in Africa, Pius’ journey reflects a simple but important truth: youth participation becomes powerful when it moves from being heard to actually shaping decisions.

That is what makes Pius one of our , building movements, opening doors and helping young people turn their collective voice into influence.

Last week, Plan International Nigeria welcomed Alasan Senghore, Regional Director for West and Central Africa, for a fiv...
20/08/2026

Last week, Plan International Nigeria welcomed Alasan Senghore, Regional Director for West and Central Africa, for a five-day visit focused on connection, strategic alignment and strengthening the partnerships that make our work possible.

Across engagements with colleagues, the Country Leadership Team and Board, conversations explored Plan Nigeria’s evolving journey, organisational priorities and how we can continue working together to deepen our impact for children and young people, especially girls. The visit also provided an important opportunity for colleagues to engage directly with the Regional Director, share perspectives and reflect on the opportunities ahead for the organisation.

The conversations extended well beyond our walls. Through engagements with government institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Education, as well as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, UNFPA and the Nigeria INGO Forum, the visit reinforced the importance of strong relationships and collective action across Nigeria’s humanitarian and development landscape. A cocktail reception with partners, stakeholders and sector colleagues also created an informal space to deepen these connections, exchange perspectives and strengthen relationships around shared priorities.

At the heart of the visit were also conversations with young people. Interactions with members of the Girls Get Equal Network and Youth Advisory Panel brought their experiences, perspectives and aspirations directly into the conversation, a reminder that sustainable change is strongest when young people have a meaningful voice, institutions work together and partnerships are built around shared priorities.

As we continue advancing our ambition in Nigeria, the visit was a valuable moment to reflect on how far we have come, deepen the relationships that will take us further, and reaffirm our shared commitment to creating a future where every child and young person can learn, lead, decide and thrive.

Thank you, Alasan, for the conversations, reflections and time shared with our colleagues, young people and partners throughout the week. We look forward to building on the connections strengthened and the momentum created.

19/08/2026

The future does not build itself. And Teresita Kiritmwa Shikyil is not waiting for someone else to shape the one she wants.

“I refuse to wait for the future I want. I am choosing to build it, one voice, one action, and one young person at a time.”

That conviction runs through her journey as a young legal professional and youth advocate passionate about leadership, human rights, gender equality and meaningful youth participation. A Law graduate of the University of Jos and currently undergoing professional training at the Nigerian Law School, Teresita has consistently stepped into spaces where young people can learn, lead, organise and influence change.

She served as National President of the Catholic Law Students Association of Nigeria in 2024, after previously serving as National Vice President, and also supported youth participation initiatives as a Community Manager with CYPA Africa. Today, as a member of the National Working Committee, Legal Department of Girls Get Equal, and Communications Lead for Girls Get Equal in Plateau State, she continues to use advocacy, communication and leadership to amplify young people’s voices and advance gender equality.

Because one voice can challenge what has been accepted for too long. One action can inspire another. And one young person who chooses to get involved can create space for many more to do the same.

Teresita is not simply imagining a different future. She is already using her knowledge, leadership and voice to help build it.

And that is pretty cool.

19/08/2026

Humanitarian action is more than responding when crisis strikes. It is about protecting dignity, safeguarding rights, and ensuring that people affected by crises can access the support they need safely and without discrimination.

This World Humanitarian Day, as the global humanitarian community calls for stronger protection for civilians and humanitarian workers, respect for international humanitarian law, safe access and greater accountability, Plan International Nigeria stands with the people and communities at the heart of humanitarian action.

Across Nigeria, we continue to work alongside communities, local actors, government institutions and partners to strengthen access to education, protection, health and other essential services, with particular attention to the rights and needs of children, girls and young people.

Because humanitarian action should never be measured by reach alone. It should also be reflected in whether people are heard, protected, treated with dignity and able to influence the support that affects their lives.

Today, we recognise the commitment of humanitarian workers and local responders, and reaffirm our commitment to humanitarian action that is accountable, locally informed and centred on people.

Anticipatory action is most effective when institutions are aligned, roles are clear, and communities are supported to a...
18/08/2026

Anticipatory action is most effective when institutions are aligned, roles are clear, and communities are supported to act before risks escalate into crises.

In Yola, Plan International Nigeria, through the Anticipatory Action Project and the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance (ZCRA) Project, convened a two-day Coordination Workshop bringing together government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, humanitarian and development partners, and other key stakeholders to strengthen a shared understanding of Anticipatory Action in Adamawa State.

Participants reviewed the State’s Anticipatory Action Framework and Protocol, clarified institutional roles and responsibilities, identified priority actions and discussed practical pathways for coordinated implementation. Through collaborative planning, stakeholders strengthened coordination mechanisms and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing timely, evidence-informed action ahead of predictable shocks and hazards.

Building on this momentum, a one-day Start-up Workshop formally launched the Anticipatory Action Project, aligning government representatives, implementing partners and other stakeholders on the project’s objectives, implementation approach, expected outcomes and next steps. Together, both engagements strengthened partnerships, improved institutional alignment and established a clearer roadmap for coordinated delivery.

By strengthening systems, preparedness mechanisms and collective action, Plan International Nigeria and its partners are helping communities better anticipate risks, protect lives and livelihoods, and build greater resilience before crises occur.

18/08/2026

“You do not need to have all the answers before you begin. Show up, keep learning, and keep taking action. Meaningful change is often created by ordinary people who choose to get involved.” - Esther Ogbomo

For Esther Ogbomo, youth participation is not about simply having young people in the room. It is about ensuring they have the knowledge, confidence and opportunity to influence what happens in it.

As Chair of the Youth Advisory Panel Cohort 2026, Esther is helping to strengthen meaningful youth engagement in decision-making. Her journey across civic engagement, fact-checking, gender justice, research and advocacy reflects a growing commitment to governance that listens to young people and development that does not leave their perspectives behind.

That commitment is also taking her deeper into the systems where decisions are made. Through her work at the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Esther is building practical experience in public policy, governance and legislative processes while continuing her postgraduate studies in International Affairs and Diplomacy.

Because young people should not only inherit policies, institutions and systems designed today. They should have a voice in shaping them.
We celebrate Esther as one of our , a young woman choosing to get involved, keep learning and use her voice where it matters.

Young people’s development is essential to achieving societal balance. It must therefore be seen and felt not only in po...
17/08/2026

Young people’s development is essential to achieving societal balance. It must therefore be seen and felt not only in political commitments, but through intentional and sustained investment in youth development.

This was the motivation behind our commemoration of International Youth Day 2026, where we convened a National Dialogue on Financing Youth Development, in collaboration with UN Women and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives.

The dialogue featured the presentation of the 2025 Budget Analysis by Tunde Aremu, with a focus on Youth-Centred Budgeting Using Gender-Transformative Lenses. The presentation highlighted significant gaps in addressing issues critical to national development and the realities of young people, while recommending a coordinated national mechanism for youth development.

In her goodwill message, Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, emphasised the need for young people to actively participate in governance, engage meaningfully with the budgetary process, and learn to constructively engage with government at sub-national levels.

The UN Women Country Representative also underscored the importance of investing in young people and called for stronger and more critical youth engagement with Nigeria’s fiscal processes.

Hon. Elizabeth Ankama, Special Adviser to the Gombe State Government on Student Affairs, reminded us that the future belongs to young people and that deliberate investment in their development is necessary to secure that future.

The dialogue also featured a high-level panel with Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, Hashimu Adamu, and Josephine Adokwu. Beyond the conversations, the dialogue generated important commitments towards advancing youth-centred financing and strengthening young people’s participation in fiscal and governance processes.

This dialogue is one of several activities we are undertaking to commemorate International Youth Day 2026 and forms part of our broader commitment to ensuring that the voices, aspirations and priorities of young people are amplified and reflected in national development processes.

Watch out for our State of the Nigerian Youth Dialogue.

Until we are all equal. ✊🏽

17/08/2026

“Small actions, repeated with consistency, build the movements that change nations.” - Oluwatosin Ademola Ajayi

This is Oluwatosin Ademola Ajayi, one of the young Nigerians using policy, research and advocacy to help shape a better future.

Oluwatosin is a policy advisor and development communications professional working to strengthen basic education and youth participation in Nigeria. As a Parliamentary Aide at the Nigerian National Assembly, he supports legislative research, policy briefs and stakeholder engagement around education reform, including work on the Universal Basic Education Amendment Bill, which seeks to strengthen financing for basic education.

His commitment to youth-led change also extends beyond the legislature. He has served as a Global Youth Ambassador with Theirworld UK, participated in the British Council’s Future Leaders Connect Programme, and is an alumnus of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung’s Open Minds, Young Voices Fellowship.

For Oluwatosin, youth leadership is not only about having a voice; it is about understanding the systems where decisions are made and using knowledge, access and consistency to help shape better outcomes for others.

His story reminds us that meaningful change is often built through the actions we choose to sustain, through research, advocacy, participation and the willingness to keep showing up.
In his message to young Nigerians, Oluwatosin challenges us to recognise the power of consistent action.

Watch his message and join the conversation: what action are you taking today to help shape the Nigeria you want to see?

Across Nigeria, young people are learning, creating, leading, building livelihoods, challenging barriers and finding new...
12/08/2026

Across Nigeria, young people are learning, creating, leading, building livelihoods, challenging barriers and finding new ways to shape the communities around them. Their journeys may look different, but many share the same aspirations: the opportunity to learn, earn, lead, be heard, live with dignity and build the futures they envision.

This International Youth Day, under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” Plan International Nigeria celebrates the ambition, leadership and potential of young people while reaffirming the need to create systems and opportunities that enable them to thrive.

Across our work, we continue to support young people, especially girls and young women, by creating opportunities for them to shape the programmes and initiatives designed with and for them, while also building the skills, networks and confidence they need to thrive. Through co-creation, we work to ensure their perspectives and priorities are meaningfully reflected in programme design and delivery. Initiatives such as our Livelihood Incubation Centres, the Thrive Programme and DigiStars Tech Mentorship Programme further provide practical pathways to entrepreneurship, digital learning, mentorship, career development and life skills.

Through the Youth Advisory Panel, Girls Get Equal and other youth participation platforms, we are also strengthening opportunities for young people to contribute their perspectives, ideas and leadership to conversations and decisions that affect their lives.

This year, we are using International Youth Day to do more than celebrate young people. We are creating space for their experiences to inform national conversations, their priorities to shape discussions on youth financing, and their leadership to be seen and heard. From evidence and policy dialogue to the voices amplified through , the focus is clear: young people should be recognised not only for their potential, but for the contribution they are already making to Nigeria’s development.

Because meaningful youth participation is more than inviting young people into the room. It is about ensuring they have the skills and opportunities to thrive, the platforms to speak, and the power to influence what happens next.

This International Youth Day, we celebrate the different journeys of young people and the aspirations that connect them, while reaffirming our commitment to a Nigeria where young people have the opportunity, agency, and support to learn, lead, decide and thrive.

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No 49, Anthony Enohoro Street, Utako District
Abuja

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Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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