By Uduak Etim
In a groundbreaking display of community service and social impact which aligns with the third cardinal programme of the scheme, Toluwaloju Victoria Oluwatosin, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member with state code KG/24B/0206, has redefined educational empowerment in Kogi State through her transformative “Future Forward Project” with a closing ceremony on March 26, 2025, at Crowther Memorial College Hall in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
The project emerged as a comprehensive initiative that went far beyond traditional educational interventions, directly addressing multiple dimensions of youth development, with a particular focus on girl child education and empowerment.
At the heart of Toluwaloju’s project was an ambitious outreach that touched the lives of 887 students across five schools, including the School of the Deaf in Lokoja. Her approach was holistic and multi-faceted, combining critical educational support with personal development programs.
One of the most significant aspects of the project was the distribution of sanitary pads to female students, a critical intervention that addresses menstrual health and helps combat school absenteeism among young girls. Beyond sanitary materials, Toluwaloju also provided cash support and educational materials, ensuring that students had both the physical and intellectual resources to pursue their academic goals.
The project culminated in an inter-secondary school debate competition that brought together six schools in Lokoja, UBE LGEA Holy Trinity, Al Ansar Secondary School, GYB Model Science Secondary School, Crowther Memorial College, Muslim Community Secondary School and Bishop Delisle College creating an unprecedented platform for young minds to engage with critical national issues. The debate topics were carefully selected to challenge students’ perspectives and encourage nuanced thinking about complex societal problems.
The three debate topics covered crucial national challenges: Agricultural Self-Sufficiency – Exploring solutions for Nigeria’s agricultural development, Youth Ethics and Responsibility, Examining ethical choices in challenging economic contexts and Social Media and Youth Development – Analyzing the role of digital platforms in youth empowerment.
Bishop Delisle College emerged as the competition’s champion, securing 51 points and demonstrating exceptional analytical and argumentative skills. Their closest competitor, GYB Model Science School, scored 41 points, highlighting the intense intellectual competition.
The winner received a total cash reward of N100,000, Second position claimed N50,000 in cash while third position also received N30,000 including certificate of participation, educational materials ranging from school bags, exercise books, biros and mathematical sets. However, consolation prices of both cash and educational materials were also presented to all the participating schools.
Meanwhile, the NYSC Kogi State Coordinator, Mr. Femi Oshungbohun, hailed the project as an outstanding example of the Personal Community Development Service (CDS) initiative, which is one of the four cardinal programs of the NYSC.
“The NYSC exists to make an impact on communities, and when we see corps members like Tosin Toluwaloju making a difference, we are reminded that our efforts are not in vain. Her work has demonstrated the importance of critical thinking in shaping the next generation. Today’s event marks the culmination of her hard work, and I must commend her dedication and commitment to societal development,” Oshungbohun remarked.
He further encouraged corps members to use their service year productively by implementing meaningful projects, rather than engaging in activities that could bring the NYSC into disrepute.
In his keynote speech, Special Adviser on Media to Kogi State Governor, Hon. Ismaila Isa, described the project as a foundational step toward building future leaders. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives and ensuring that the free education policy remains effective.
“The government of Kogi State remains committed to improving education and youth development. Initiatives like this are exactly what we need to prepare young minds for leadership roles in the future,” Isa stated.
Also speaking, the Honorable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Kogi State Hon. Monday A. Ayebe, who was represented by Director of Youth and Sports, Mrs. Babatunde Josephine noted that youths are the leaders of tomorrow “Today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow, and initiatives like this give me hope that our future is in safe hands.”
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports commends this initiative and encourages more corps members to engage in meaningful development projects”, She added.
Toluwaloju’s project attracted significant support from various organizations. Sponsors including Grace FM, ROCA Media, Akoni Care Foundation, David Akinyemi School of Thought, GED Foundation, Lugard TV, Girl Pro Africa and Goonite International Lagos, played crucial roles in bringing the project to fruition.
The project’s impact extended beyond the debate competition. Earlier interventions included workshops focusing on self-esteem and menstrual health, targeting 887 students, including those at the School of the Deaf in Lokoja. This comprehensive approach demonstrated a commitment to holistic youth development.
In his message of goodwill, Mr. Simbabi Ogbeha MD, Confluence Cable Network commended Corps Member Toluwaloju Tosin for an impactful service year that culminates into an impactful project describing it as a beacon of hope “The Future Forward Project is a beacon of hope, and I am proud to see such impactful work taking place in Kogi State.”
Also, Deborah Agbonika of Akoni Care Foundation, one of the sponsors of the program says Tosin is an inspiration to the young while challenging them to emulate them to emulate same. “It is inspiring to see young people like Tosin driving change. Her work aligns with our mission to empower young minds, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact of her efforts.”
In another goodwill message, Prof. Abubakar Mohammed a lecturer at Federal University Lokoja said “The ability to think critically is essential for national development. This project has provided an excellent platform for young students to develop that skill.”
Prof. Mohammed who noted that he was also a student of the historic Crowther Memorial College encouraged the young students to learn and become. His story was indeed an inspiration to the younger generations.
In her closing remarks, Toluwaloju Victoria Oluwatosin expressed profound gratitude to her support network, acknowledging the crucial role of NYSC officials, sponsors, school authorities, teachers, and fellow corps members who collaborated to make the project a success.
The Future Forward Project has set a new benchmark for youth engagement and educational innovation in Kogi State. By creating platforms that encourage critical thinking, open dialogue, and intellectual growth, Toluwaloju has demonstrated the transformative potential of targeted community development initiatives.
The project’s multifaceted approach—providing sanitary pads, educational materials, cash support, and intellectual stimulation—represents a holistic model of youth empowerment that goes beyond traditional educational interventions.
However, local education experts have praised the initiative as a template for comprehensive youth development, highlighting its potential to be replicated in other states and communities.
For the students involved, the impact extends far beyond a single competition or workshop. They have been equipped with skills of critical thinking, communication, and self-confidence that will serve them throughout their academic and professional journeys.
The NYSC Kogi State leadership has indicated that Toluwaloju’s project will be used as a case study for future community development service initiatives, potentially influencing how corps members approach their community service across Nigeria.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the real victory was not just in the points scored or materials distributed, but in the minds awakened, the perspectives challenged, and the potential unleashed among Kogi’s young students.
The Future Forward Project serves as a powerful testament to the impact young professionals can have when they commit to meaningful community service and invest in the next generation’s potential.
It stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with creativity, commitment, and compassion, individual initiatives can create significant social transformation.
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