The Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) has inaugurated members of its Youth Reference Group and unveiled its Youth Agenda for 2026, aimed at strengthening youth-focused advocacy and accountability initiatives in Kano State.
The Reference Group, according to the organisation, will provide strategic guidance and advisory support to advance YOSPIS programmes and deepen youth participation in development processes.
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YOSPIS Inaugurates Youth Reference Group, Unveils 2026 Youth Agenda
In his welcome address, Dr Musa Bello, the Board Chairman of YOSPIS, noted that since its establishment in 1999, the organisation has made a significant impact in addressing social vices and promoting healthy living among young people.
He explained that the Reference Group, formerly known as the Friends Group, possesses enormous potential that will yield positive results for the organisation and the larger society.
Dr Bello urged youths to diversify their efforts and contribute to humanity through non-governmental organisations such as YOSPIS.
In her remarks, Zainab Nasir Ahmed, the Executive Director of YOSPIS, disclosed that the NGO has achieved tremendous success in youth empowerment, including support for over 1,000 at-risk and repentant youths, as well as peacebuilding campaigns against hate speech and the dissemination of fake news.
She added that YOSPIS has strengthened partnerships with NGOs and community stakeholders, gained increased local and national media recognition, and promoted youth engagement in health budget accountability, zero-dose immunisation, and health financing advocacy.
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According to her, the organisation has also participated in policy dialogues and youth agenda contributions in Kano State, organised radio discussions and published opinion pieces.
“Tens of thousands of youths have been reached across Kano State with improved awareness on health, drug abuse prevention and peacebuilding. We have achieved strong media visibility, youth leadership development, community trust and sustained engagement,”
Unveiling the 2026 agenda, the Vice Chairman of YOSPIS, Barrister Nura Ahmed Muhammad, said the strategic priority areas include youth empowerment and economic inclusion.
Others are drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation, peacebuilding and violence prevention, responsible media use and digital citizenship, youth health and wellbeing, as well as youth participation in governance.
He outlined key advocacy demands to include the integration of the Youth Agenda into state planning and budgeting, increased investment in preventive youth programmes, institutionalisation of youth participation in governance, and strengthened partnerships with youth-led organisations.
“Investing in youth is investing in peace, security and sustainable development. YOSPIS is ready to partner with the Kano State Government to turn this agenda into action,”
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Paradigm News reports that the highlights of the event included the presentation of appointment letters to newly appointed members of the Youth Reference Group.
