GAIYD Reaches 49,585 Beneficiaries, Targets Expanded Youth Programmes In 2027

The Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD) has reached more than 49,585 direct and indirect beneficiaries through its youth development and boychild advocacy programmes in 2026, with plans to double its impact next year.

The organisation also reached 37 schools across three states, distributed more than 4,300 copies of its book, Unheard Voices of the Boychild, and provided learning facilities to five schools during the year.

President of GAIYD, Dr Hillary Akpua, disclosed this at the fourth edition of the Great Achievers Awards 2026, held in Abuja, where he outlined the organisation’s achievements and plans for 2027.

Akpua said the initiative, which began its boychild advocacy campaign in 2021 and was registered in 2023, was established to address challenges affecting boys and equip them with the values required to become responsible members of society.

He said GAIYD had sustained school sensitisation campaigns, community engagement and parental programmes to promote the positive development of boys.

Giving a breakdown of the activities, Akpua said 435 students and 33 teachers in secondary schools across Nasarawa and Niger states were sensitised on drug abuse, mental health, personal hygiene, responsibility and positive decision-making.

He said the exercises were conducted with support from partners, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The GAIYD president also disclosed that the organisation organised a football and athletics competition involving 641 boys from eight schools between April 23 and May 16 to promote teamwork, discipline, confidence and sportsmanship.

According to him, the campaign climaxed at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with nine schools, 18 teachers and coaches, and three media organisations participating.

At the event, Professor Okey Ikechukwu called for a stronger culture of responsible leadership, tolerance and fairness, stressing that leadership was not determined by titles or official positions but by the ability to influence decisions and contribute meaningfully to society.

He urged Nigerians to confront cultural, religious and personal prejudices while raising boys and girls with values that encourage mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, represented by Aisha Muhammad, said responsible leadership was closely linked to the fight against corruption.

He said the Commission’s anti-corruption efforts extended beyond arrests and prosecutions to public enlightenment and early value reorientation.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Mainasara Kogo Umar, identified money politics, weak ideological foundations and divisive sentiments as challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy.

He criticised the growing influence of personal interests in political parties and the practice of inducing voters with money and material gifts, calling for greater accountability and national unity.

The event also featured discussions involving Imran Hassan and Mrs Hauwa Aminu Wambai, with Ms Oma Favour Igboanua serving as discussion lead.

Individuals and organisations were recognised for their contributions to youth development, community service, leadership and boychild advocacy.

Among the recipients were HRH Queen Haukawulu Adamu Ibrahim, honoured for community development and gender equality; HRH Alhaji Dr Usman Nga-Kupi, recognised for contributions to education and cultural preservation; and Engr. Frank Nwike, who received the Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award.

Other awardees included Chief Eleduma Gbenga Abiodun, Humanitarian of the Year; Mr Samuel Biboye Luwei, Entrepreneur of the Year; and Mrs Princess-Ekwi Ajide, Mental Health Advocate of the Year.

GAIYD said it would expand its programmes to more schools and states in 2027 while strengthening partnerships to promote youth development, integrity and community responsibility.