“The Global Youth Ambassadors network helps us lend our voices to the cause of education”

I became a Global Youth Ambassador for Theirworld last year. I saw the platform as a great opportunity to expand my horizons and learn new techniques in advocacy.

I met a Yoruba king in the southwestern part of Nigeria – His Imperial Majesty, The Oluwo of Iwo (Oba Abdul Rasheed Akanbi). The king gave me the opportunity to explain the vision of Theirworld so as to galvanise support in promoting quality education and ensuring every child is in school. 

I then organised several town hall meetings with stakeholders and engaged the media specifically to give information to a wider audience and unreachable areas.

I was present at the 53rd Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank (AFDB) and the 44th Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional arm of the Bank Group, in Busan, South Korea, in May.

My experience at the AFDB meeting was great! It was an opportunity to meet and interact with global leaders and major decision-makers. 

It was also important to note that the African Development Bank and other development banks supported the call for the establishment of the International Finance Facility for eEducation. 

The Global Youth Ambassadors network has laid a solid foundation for real-time advocacy, while providing the tools and creating the platform we young education advocates need to lend our voices to a justifiable cause.

About nine months ago, I took up a public service appointment. I am head of the Sustainable Development Goals Office for the State Government of Osun, Nigeria. We focus on SDGs 3 (good health and wellbeing) and 4 (quality education). 

Over 20 well-furnished block classrooms in middle and elementary schools across the state of Osun have been built in order to provide a conducive environment for learning and to keep children in school. These schools are currently occupied by 600 children. 

As a Global Youth Ambassador, I am privileged to be heading such an agency where education is given priority. 

In April 2018 I received the State Champion Award for my work on the SDGs by the Coalition of Wives of Presidents and Vice Presidents in Africa.

I am grateful to Theirworld for all it does and continues to do. Fellow Global Youth Ambassadors, I wish to thank you all for your guidance and support and please continue to keep the flag flying.