A non-governmental organisation, Youth Health and Life Skills Development Initiative, has launched a new foundation to address the growing challenges facing adolescents, particularly out-of-school youths.
The Foundation, Yetunde Olagbuji Youth Empowerment Seed (YOYES), was unveiled during the 2026 edition of the “Becoming” programme held in Akure, where the convener, Dr. Yetunde Olagbuji presented three books on mentorship, parenting and adolescent development.
The event featured a high-level stakeholders’ forum and engagement session, bringing together experts and participants to deliberate on issues affecting the health, well-being, and development of young people.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Olagbuji, a consultant public health physician and adolescent health expert, said the initiative was established to provide guidance and support for young people facing social and economic challenges.
She explained that the YOYES Foundation is designed to empower vulnerable adolescents through mentorship, educational support and life-skills development.
According to her, the organisation has consistently championed youth empowerment while responding to emerging issues affecting adolescents.
Dr. Olagbuji called on individuals, organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the foundation, stressing that such support would help nurture responsible and productive adults.
She noted that poor parenting, poverty and lack of mentorship are major contributors to behavioural challenges among young people.
“Many children are unable to attend school due to financial difficulties, while others lack the guidance needed to navigate adolescence,” she said.
To bridge these gaps, she disclosed that she authored a parenting book to guide parents on raising adolescents in the 21st century, alongside another publication titled Mentorship Blueprint, aimed at equipping mentors and counsellors with practical tools.
She added that adolescents today face multiple vulnerabilities, including mental health challenges, drug abuse and negative influences from technology.
Dr. Olagbuji further explained that beneficiaries would receive structured mentorship through quarterly sessions designed to guide them towards responsible living.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Educate, Empower, Transform Lives,” former Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, emphasised the need for deliberate youth-focused initiatives.
Represented by the institution’s Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Olorunfemi Ogundele, Fatusi described mentorship and life-skills development as critical tools in addressing youth challenges.
He noted that intentional and structured mentorship can help young people resist negative peer pressure, social media influence and drug abuse.
“When youths are properly mentored and guided, it provides a support system that helps them overcome societal vices,” he said.
Fatusi also urged government and stakeholders to adopt data-driven approaches to youth development, stressing that strategic investment in education and skills development would harness the country’s youthful population for sustainable growth.
The event also witnessed the unveiling of the YOYES Foundation brand by former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, alongside other dignitaries.
In his remarks, Mimiko called for increased investment in youth development, particularly for underprivileged adolescents, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
Represented by his former Chief of Staff, Kola Ademujimi, he noted that neglecting disadvantaged youths could fuel future social challenges, including crime.
“Many of these young people fall into crime because no one guided or supported them,” he said.
While commending the convener for the initiative, Mimiko urged stakeholders, government and well-meaning individuals to support programmes that empower young people, particularly those from vulnerable communities
Also speaking, Mrs. Jumoke Ogunboye described one of the books on parenting as a practical guide for parents, noting that it provides actionable insights and workbook sections for real-life application.
Another reviewer, Mr. Ayo Kajoro, commended Mentorship Blueprint as a well-structured guide enriched with relatable illustrations and practical examples for mentors.
The event featured emotional testimonies from some beneficiaries of the foundation, highlighting the struggles faced by vulnerable adolescents.
One of them, Olamiposi Deborah, a student of Akure High School, recounted her efforts to support herself and stay in school, appealing for assistance to continue her education.
Similarly, Titilayo Samuel from Ijapo High School called for support, sharing his experience of growing up without a father figure while striving to remain in school.
Also in attendance were the President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, Dr. Omolayo Olubosede, and representatives of civil society organisations involved in youth development.
The Hope
