In fulfilling a key requirement of the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship (EPLF), Samson Dairus took a significant step in his civic engagement journey by hosting a 30-minute radio chat titled “Nigerian Youths and the Challenge of Leadership” on Amana 98.1 FM. The session, held on October 25, 2024 with over 500,000 active listeners on Air, and 20 participants calling during the call-in session, was aimed at encouraging dialogue on the role of Nigerian youths in leadership.
Objective of the Activity:
The main goal was to engage Nigerian youth in an open conversation about the challenges and opportunities that come with leadership roles. The discussion sought to inspire young people to actively participate in leadership development, fostering resilience and a commitment to community leadership.
Key Outcomes:
The radio chat heightened awareness among Nigerian youths about the importance of leadership, sparking interest in local leadership initiatives. Many listeners expressed a renewed desire to engage in community leadership roles, with notable interest in programs that foster youth involvement. Listener feedback revealed a strong interest in further discussions on leadership.
Summary of Achievements and Key Highlights:
- Audience Engagement: Over 20 calls and text messages were received during the show, with participants asking questions and contributing their views on youth leadership.
- Youth Interest: Many participants showed a keen interest in local leadership opportunities, with the conversation fueling interest in leadership development programmes.
- Listener Impact: The radio station committed to hosting more programs geared towards youth leadership, signifying a broader impact beyond the event.
Lessons Learnt:
- There is a notable enthusiasm for leadership among Nigerian youth, but many struggle to find channels for effective engagement.
- The presence of relatable role models was identified as a critical factor in inspiring young people to pursue leadership roles.
- Youths from rural areas highlighted barriers such as geographic and digital limitations, which hinder their access to leadership opportunities.
Unintended Outcomes:
Amana 98.1 FM pledged to increase its programming focused on youth participation in leadership, showing the potential for longer-term impact.
Way Forward / Recommendations:
- Frequency: Regular discussions like this one are crucial for maintaining and growing youth interest in leadership topics.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with youth organizations to create follow-up sessions, workshops, or leadership forums to sustain the momentum.
- Resources: Provide additional materials and mentorship opportunities to listeners interested in joining leadership programmes.
Follow-up / Next Steps:
A follow-up radio chat is being planned to dive deeper into the specific questions raised by listeners, offering actionable steps for youth who aspire to take on leadership roles.
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