NGO Empowers 100 Zonkwa Students with Leadership, Life Skills Training

By: Abubakar Labaran

A non-governmental organization, Awareness Africa Foundation, has organized a youth leadership and life skills training program for no fewer than 100 students in Zonkwa, the headquarters of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The training was held in partnership with Usawa Kwa Wote and SDG Youth Connect.

Speaking at the event, the founder of the NGO, Miss Victoria Odesanya, explained that the training was designed to help students across Africa understand key aspects of the challenges they face in life.

Odesanya said the NGO has trained students on human rights, career guidance, gender equality, technology impact, and personal development, among other topics—all aimed at shaping their lives for future success.

She added that her decision to form the NGO came from a childhood dream to touch lives and help people, as well as to contribute positively to ensuring that students in Nigeria and Africa have equal opportunities through skills training that will help them improve their communities.

Victoria thanked her father, Dr. Bode Adesanya, and the NGO’s partners for their support in making her dream a reality.

She also appealed to governments at all levels and relevant stakeholders to support the NGO so that its services can reach more beneficiaries.

Addressing participants via an online session, United Nations representatives Nicol Bath and Godwin John Baba told students that it was crucial to adapt to fast-changing trends in education in order to grow and remain relevant.

They encouraged the participants to commit to constant learning as the only way to advance.

“As students, you must innovate and be eager to learn. It is only by learning that you can grow and help your communities,” they said.

In her remarks, Taye Ikuponiyi, Welfare Officer of Awareness Africa Foundation, said that after the training, the NGO empowered the students with writing materials and sanitary pads for the females.

Taye noted that this was part of the NGO’s efforts to encourage participants to return to their communities as changed youths.

Also speaking, Dr. Bode Adesanya, father of the founder and Chief of the Yoruba community in Zonkwa, commended his daughter for her kind gesture and urged beneficiaries to make the most of the training.

“People like my daughter need to be encouraged and supported, especially because many are facing difficulties and need help,” he said.

In their remarks, Mr. Nathaniel Baba and Mrs. Patience Musa, teachers from Anglican Comprehensive Academy, commended Awareness Africa Foundation for its initiative, which they described as impactful not only for the students but also for the teachers.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Reuben Kabiru Musa and Rejoice Bulus said they had learned a great deal from the training, which had become a turning point in their lives.