The Get Healthy Africa Initiative (GHAi), a youth-led non-governmental organization, has trained Osun youths on digital advocacy skills to promote good governance.
The two-day event was part of the Change Champion Project, supported by the Nigeria Youths Future Funds to effectively navigate the digital media landscape and drive positive change in their communities.
In his opening remark, Hon. Moshood Olagunjuthe, Osun State Commissioner for Youth Affairs, commended the organizers for their efforts to bring the project to Osun State and urged participants to take full advantage of this significant opportunity.
The event featured expert facilitators who led interactive sessions on various topics. Blessing Oladunjoye, the Publisher of BONews Service, discussed online tools and platforms for advocacy, while Idris Animasaun also explained ways to engage with policymakers through digital channels.
Mr. Ayobami Awotayo-Johnson introduced participants to digital literacy skills, emphasizing the ability to use digital technologies to find, evaluate, and create needed, relevant, and informative content.
Zainab Fakunle, a broadcast journalist and digital advocate, led a session on social media campaigning, providing a thorough presentation on identifying target audiences, creating content, driving engagement, and guiding steps for creating a social media campaign.
Idris Animasaun addressed online petitioning, explaining how individuals can hold governments and organizations accountable for their actions and inactions through mild and non-violent means. He described online petitioning as signing to support a cause or issue to raise awareness and influence policy and decision-makers.
Evelyn Ohiolei covered storytelling for impact, addressing the strategic use of narratives to drive social change, raise awareness, and inspire action on critical issues.
Participants praised the workshop, acknowledging the knowledge gained. Barakat Sanni noted, “The workshop exceeded my expectations, the facilitators explained the sessions excellently.”
Tolu Morakinyo added, “The workshop provided insight into digital literacy skills and the usage of digital tools for advocacy.”
Aanuoluwaposimi Mary said, “The workshop was transformative, deepening my understanding of how digital tools can drive positive change.”
Successful participants from this workshop will be selected for the next stage of the project for a community fact-finding mission, followed by a fellowship program to become GHAi positive change fellows and change champion advocates.