A new crop of young leaders are reshaping the future of their communities in Nasarawa State.
A new crop of young leaders are reshaping the future of their communities in Nasarawa State. Through the Step Up Nigeria Fellowship Program, supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund and LEAP Africa, 30 determined youths from five underserved communities – Agunji, Apiawoyi, Bukan Sidi, Goho Titi, and Mandara, have taken actions to improve service delivery and create lasting change.
Armed with skills in advocacy and civic engagement, these young fellows have moved beyond learning, they have acted. Their collective efforts have addressed critical issues such as healthcare, education, water scarcity, security, and poor infrastructure, significantly impacting their communities.
Transforming Lives, One Community at a Time
Agunji: Lighting the Path for Improved Healthcare and Education
In Agunji, fellows took bold steps to improve healthcare and education. Their advocacy and community engagements led to the completion and roofing of the maternity block at the community primary health care centre. Through their efforts, they were also able to secure a modern microscope for the PHC laboratory. Furthermore, their advocacy led to the assignment of an additional staff to the primary health care centre. Additionally, with only a missionary primary school (RCM Agunji) dating back to 1948, these fellows successfully pushed for the approval of a secondary school at the community and commencement of a Junior Secondary School in October 2024, bringing secondary education to their community for the first time in 76 years. The Agunji fellows through their advocacy recorded other tremendous achievements including the repair of the community transformer, completion of a 500km road with drainage and securing scholarship for students among others.
Apiawoyi: Fighting for Water & Education
Apiawoyi’s Fellows listened to their community’s most pressing needs which was water and education. With only two wells and one borehole, the community struggled with limited water supply and its schools lacked essential facilities for learning. Through strategic advocacy and stakeholder engagement, the fellows took action to push for improved water access and educational facilities, ensuring better learning conditions and improved public services. Tables and chairs have been allocated to the community schools by the local government and approval has been granted for the construction of an additional borehole in Apiawoyi community by the state water board.
Bukan Sidi: Building Bridges, Strengthening Ties
In Bukan Sidi, connectivity to a neighboring community is a major setback. The Fellows turned this challenge into an opportunity, uniting voices and resources for the construction of a damaged bridge. They facilitated the design of a new modern bridge and are fundraising as well as engaging community stakeholders to make the project a reality. This infrastructure project, once complete, will serve as a symbol of resilience, accountability, and progress, providing easier access to economic opportunities in neighbouring communities.
Goho Titi: Ensuring Clean Water for All
For the fellows in Goho Titi, water scarcity was a crisis that demanded action. Their mission was clear: to provide a solar-powered borehole for their community. Through relentless advocacy and stakeholder engagement, they secured project space and developed a survey report to support project implementation. Fundraising efforts are still ongoing by the fellows and community members for the construction of the solar powered borehole in the community. This proves that progress flows when people stand together.
Mandara: Restoring Healthcare, Restoring Hope
Both the security situation and the Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) had long been deteriorating, leaving many feeling unsafe, and without access to proper medical care. The Fellows of Mandara are leading a renovation effort of the PHC that ensures a safer, more functional clinic. Their advocacy so far has resulted in ceiling replacements and improved infrastructure. They are also advocating for the construction of a security outpost in the community.
A Movement for Change
The Step Up Nigeria Fellows in Nasarawa State have proven that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the changemakers of today. Their journey doesn’t end here. With continued support and investment in youth-led advocacy, more communities can break barriers, demand better governance, and create lasting impact.
As we celebrate their achievements at the Step Up Nigeria Fellowship Program Closeout Ceremony, one thing is clear – when young people step up, speak out, and take action, real change happens.