Youth as Change-Makers: Why Investing in Young People Shapes the Future

 With energy, creativity, and resilience, youth are at the heart of national transformation. Rosana Empowerment Foundation (REF) believes that investing in young people today means investing in a stronger, more inclusive future. Around the world, history has shown that nations that prioritize the development of their youth experience greater innovation, stronger economies, and more cohesive societies.

Young people possess an unmatched ability to adapt to change, embrace technology, and find solutions to challenges that older generations often view as overwhelming. From entrepreneurship to digital innovation, their ideas are shaping industries and redefining how communities interact. REF recognizes this immense potential and has made youth development a central pillar of its work across Nigeria.

In Bauchi, Gombe, and Imo States, REF has engaged young people in leadership trainings, vocational skills acquisition, and mentorship initiatives. These programs equip them with practical tools to build sustainable livelihoods, while also fostering civic responsibility. By creating safe spaces for dialogue and participation, REF ensures that young voices are not only heard but also respected in decision-making processes.

The challenges facing young people, such as unemployment, lack of education, and limited access to resources, can often trap them in cycles of poverty and exclusion. However, when youth are empowered, they become powerful change-makers who can lift entire communities. A young entrepreneur can create jobs for peers; an educated girl can uplift her family; and a youth leader can influence policies that benefit generations.

REF’s approach to youth empowerment is rooted in partnership. By collaborating with schools, government agencies, and community-based organizations, REF helps amplify opportunities for young people to thrive. The organization also integrates life skills and digital literacy into its programs, recognizing that the future is shaped not only by formal education but also by adaptability and innovation.

Investing in youth is not charity, it is a strategic investment in national development. The dreams of today’s young people are the building blocks of tomorrow’s society. REF remains committed to nurturing these dreams, turning potential into power, and ensuring that young people are fully equipped to lead the transformation Nigeria and Africa urgently need.