The Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) joins young people and stakeholders across Nigeria and the world in commemorating International Youth Day 2026, celebrated under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
YOSPIS recognises that young people live in different social, economic, cultural and geographical realities. However, despite these differences, young people share common aspirations: the desire for peace, quality education, decent employment, meaningful participation, safety, dignity, inclusion and opportunities to build better lives.
In Nigeria, particularly in communities across Northern Nigeria, young people continue to demonstrate resilience and leadership despite challenges including unemployment, limited opportunities, substance abuse, insecurity, misinformation and inadequate access to meaningful platforms for participation.
YOSPIS believes these challenges should not define the future of young people. Instead, they must strengthen the commitment of governments, development partners, civil society organisations, communities and the private sector to invest in young people and create enabling environments where they can thrive.
The organisation emphasises that young people should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of development interventions but as partners, innovators, community leaders and agents of change.
YOSPIS therefore calls for:
* Meaningful youth participation in policy development and decision-making at all levels.
* Greater investment in education, skills development and employment opportunities for young people.
* Safe spaces for recreation, sports, learning and community engagement, particularly at the grassroots.
* Stronger youth-focused peacebuilding and social cohesion initiatives.
* Increased support for youth-led organisations and community initiatives.
* Greater access to opportunities in entrepreneurship, technology, creative industries and civic engagement.
* Stronger action against drug abuse, violence, hate speech and other social vices affecting young people.
* Policies and programmes that recognise the diverse realities of young people while responding to their shared aspirations.
YOSPIS also calls on young Nigerians to embrace their responsibility as active citizens by volunteering, promoting peace, supporting vulnerable members of their communities, rejecting harmful narratives and using their skills and platforms to contribute positively to society.
The organisation believes that the diversity of young people’s experiences should be a source of strength rather than division. By creating platforms where young people from different backgrounds can connect, learn from one another and work towards common goals, communities can harness the enormous potential of their youthful populations.
As the world marks International Youth Day 2026, YOSPIS reaffirms its commitment to advancing youth development, peacebuilding, civic participation, recreation, health promotion and the prevention of social vices.
Different contexts may shape our experiences, but our aspirations unite us. Investing in young people today is an investment in stronger, safer and more inclusive communities tomorrow.
Zainab Nasir Ahmad
Executive Director,
Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS)
August 12, 2026
