ADVOCACY

CLEMENT ISONG FOUNDATION, EMPOWER AKWA IBOM YOUTHS ON SDGs


By Julius Nsikak - Explicit Magazine 



In line with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to commemorate 2025 International Youth Day, the Clement Isong Foundation in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, has invested in mentorship, training, and capacity-building initiatives tailored to young people in Akwa Ibom State.


The event, held Tuesday, 12th August 2025, at the Ibeno Green Youth Hub in Ibeno Local Government Area, attracted participants from Oron, Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and other LGAs. The theme was “Youth SDG Storytelling and Solutions Convergence”.


The gathering aimed to empower young people to tackle climate change, promote health and education, and advance peacebuilding, with the belief that they should be equipped to lead.


In his welcome address and overview of SPAII, Mr. Utibe Ekanem, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Clement Isong Foundation, underscored the significance of the theme. He emphasised the foundation’s commitment to advocacy and assisting those in need, noting that storytelling offers clarity for communities in remote areas, particularly in light of the current economic quagmire and governance irregularities in Nigeria, with Akwa Ibom as a case study.


According to him, the foundation is intentional in providing solutions to problems faced by vulnerable people in poorly structured environments, while offering workable ideas to policymakers and the government to ensure relief in times of disaster.


Speaking on “Youths at the Forefront of the SDGs”, Miss Mbetobong John, Climate Justice Inspirator at ActionAid Nigeria, stressed that no SDG issue can be addressed in isolation.


On Good Health and Well-being, she lamented the lack of quality, accessible and affordable healthcare in rural communities and public schools. She urged the government and health institutions to prioritise establishing healthcare facilities in schools, expanding community outreach, strengthening mental health programmes, and ensuring affordable care for all.


Regarding Quality Education, the groups highlighted challenges such as unsafe infrastructure, lack of learning materials, and high dropout rates, especially in rural areas. She appealed for investment in safe, well-equipped schools and accessible learning resources to ensure quality education for every child.


Continuing, Gender-Based was Violence, described  as a critical issue in Akwa Ibom, disproportionately affecting young women and girls. There was a  call for effective implementation of GBV policies, creation of safe spaces for survivors, provision of counselling, legal aid and referral services, and preventive education to challenge harmful gender norms.


The groups further encouraged the government to invest in climate adaptation infrastructure, integrate climate education into schools, embed Green Youth Skills into policies, and fund youth-led solutions to address local climate challenges.


Earlier, the Vice Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Council, Hon. (Pharm.) Ukpong Okon, expressed his delight at the event, describing it as a welcome development to help young people discover their niche. He pledged the council’s support for the advocacy project and encouraged the youth to engage actively in the SDGs to make Akwa Ibom a better place.


Other highlights included a peer exchange and community showcase by Ms. Edidiong Enang, a session on storytelling for the SDGs by Abasiama Cyril, Impact Officer at Global Shapers Community, Uyo Hub, and an interactive session featuring youth stories from campaign entries.


The programme also featured the presentation of certificates to participants, the launch of the YouthVoicesForSDGs Campaign, and group photographs.








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