Written by: Assim-ita, Bernard Otu
The stage was set, the stakes were high, and the moment could not have been more urgent.
On July 22, 2025, Education as a Vaccine (EVA) joined partners, policymakers, and young advocates at the National Population Commission-led commemoration of World Population Day, held under the theme: “Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World.”
Rooted in the findings of the 2025 State of the World Population (SWOP) report, this year’s event made a bold call: ensure every young person has the autonomy, knowledge, and opportunities to make informed decisions about their reproductive lives. In a country where over 60% of the population is under the age of 30 and where youth voices remain underrepresented in national discourse, this call could not be more timely or necessary.
At the heart of the event was a clear truth: reproductive agency isn’t just a policy matter — it’s a rights issue. And for those of us working every day to protect and amplify the rights of young people, it was an opportunity to show up not just as attendees, but as active participants in shaping the conversation.
In partnership with the organizers, Education as a Vaccine supported the participation of 5 young people— not as a formality, but to ensure their presence translated to real engagement. One of such voices was Bentsowe Tamunolanyeofori Hephzibah, a 17-year-old who delivered a Goodwill Message on behalf of young Nigerians, supported and guided by EVA.
In a room filled with decision-makers, Bentsowe’s words echoed with clarity and purpose:
“Far too often, critical decisions about our bodies, our rights, and our futures are made without us at the table. That’s a problem. Because if we’re not part of the conversation, how can we truly expect the world to reflect our needs, hopes, and dreams?”
She went on to draw parallels between her advocacy and global youth champions like Malala Yousafzai, affirming the power of young voices to lead movements and shift systems. Her message was not just a speech — it was a demand: that young people be treated not as passive recipients of policy, but as full partners in shaping their futures.
“To the Government, our beloved leaders, I say: Empower us. Make policies that guarantee every girl’s right to education, healthcare, and reproductive choice. Involve us, not as a formality, but as partners.”
Beyond speeches, the event hosted a panel session titled “Voices and Choices: Youth-Led Action for Reproductive Agency and Hopeful Futures” — and our young team was front and center.
On the panel, Isaiah Uganden, one of our team member, boldly declared:
“Nothing for us without us. Improve access to commodities and most importantly, provide comprehensive sexuality education to young people, including those in rural areas.”
Isaiah’s emphasis on CSE (Comprehensive Sexuality Education) and equitable access to SRHR services echoed the advocacy pillars EVA has long championed — especially in underserved communities where gaps in knowledge and access can lead to life-altering consequences.
Modupe Koledoye, another young person working within EVA, brought the conversation home:
“It’s our future and our lives that are at stake, so the decisions and choices made today need to be done with full engagement of young people and with us at the center.”
Their voices made it clear: the future is not something to be talked about in abstract terms. It is being shaped now — by the policies we enact, the investments we make, and the extent to which we allow young people to lead.
“We need numbers, disaggregated data, to be able to plan effectively for young people. It’s critical to invest in every young person and build a fair and hopeful Nigeria where no one is left behind.”_Senator Umeh
In his special remarks, Senator Victor Umeh, Chair of the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population, emphasized the importance of reliable data and youth-centered planning:
His support for a national census underscored the urgency of data-driven decisions that reflect the realities of Nigeria’s growing — and youthful — population.
Our engagement at the 2025 World Population Day event was more than symbolic—it reflected our deep and ongoing commitment to empowering young people with the tools, platforms, and confidence to speak up for their rights. It was a reaffirmation of our mission to amplify youth-led solutions in both policy and programmatic spaces, while holding decision-makers accountable to meaningfully include, engage, and invest in adolescents and young people as equal partners in shaping a fair and hopeful future.