GHAi launches Next-Gen Health Governance Project in Ondo, empowers youth to shape Nigeria’s health future

By Precious Oluwole

Get healthy Africa initiative (GHAi), with support from the Nigeria Youth Future Fund, on Tuesday, launched the Next-Gen Health Governance Project in Ondo State to equip young people with the skills and platforms needed to influence health policy, strengthen accountability, and shape the future of Nigeria’s health system.

The initiative is designed to harness the creativity, energy, and innovation of young people to drive evidence-based advocacy and sustainable community health solutions. With Ondo State chosen as the pilot site due to its vibrant youth population, the project seeks to empower participants through training, mentorship, and community engagement.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day workshop, the Project Coordinator of the Next-Gen Health Governance project, Mr Faysol Oluwakemi, emphasized the urgent need for a generational shift in governance. They noted that effective health systems cannot rely on outdated models, but must evolve with the realities and peculiarities of today’s youth. “We are the generation, the energy, innovation, and passion are here, but we must learn how to channel them effectively into policy and practice.”

“Over 280 young Nigerians applied to be part of the program, with 50 shortlisted for the first stage. Thirty participants will later proceed to a community fact-finding mission, where they will work directly with local stakeholders to gather data, strengthen accountability, and propose health policy solutions.

“By bridging the gap between government and young citizens, the project aims to cultivate a new cadre of health governance leaders who can advocate beyond social media, engage decision-makers, and build inclusive systems. This is more than a workshop, it is an invitation to leadership, an invitation to be seen and heard”, he concluded.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Henry Omoyofunmi who was represented by Mr Jonathan Obatola, appreciated the convener for his commitment to inclusive health development, stressing that his focus on local ownership and youth empowerment is commendable. He expressed his confidence that the initiative will leave a lasting footprint in Ondo State and beyond, pledging the State government’s continued support for youth development.

He urged the participants not to take the training with levity to achieve tangible results and weaponize whatever they get from the training.

“This is more than a workshop. It is an invitation to leadership. It is an invitation to be seen and to be heard. Use this platform to learn, to connect, to ask critical questions, and to begin shaping the kind of health system you want to inherit and eventually lead. Whatever that is passed on to us, it looks like this alone. It will be built in community town halls, on advocacy platforms, through youth coalitions, and in spaces like this where knowledge meets purpose.

One of the participants, Miss Medinat Abdulazeez, noted that the training had greatly enhanced her understanding of governance, accountability, and civic engagement, which she believes will enable her to contribute more effectively to her community and inspire others to take active roles in nation-building.

The event, held at BON hotel, Akure had in attendance were; representatives from the ministry of health; media executives, among others.