Introducing AYVI Network: Empowering Nigeria's Youth Through Digital Skills, Leadership, and Service

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape where young Nigerians face significant challenges in acquiring relevant skills and meaningful civic participation, the Advancing Youth Voice Initiative (AYVI) Network emerges as a beacon of transformation and hope.

AYVI Network members gather with enthusiasm, embodying the spirit of 21st-century change-makers at a lively event.

Our Journey Begins

The story of AYVI Network began in December 2021 when I, Carolyn Wokoh, a public sector professional with over 26 years of experience, recognized a critical gap in youth development across Nigeria. What started as a small initiative has blossomed into a movement that now reaches over 2,300 youths annually through hub programs, with an additional 1,000 through workshops, while indirectly impacting a further 500.

Today, we stand at the threshold of an exciting new chapter. On May 30, 2025, we will officially inaugurate our newest local chapter, marking the next phase of our journey – establishing a nationwide structure to amplify our impact across all 36 states of Nigeria.

Our Mission and Vision

At AYVI Network, our mission is clear: To empower young people through digital engagement and training to participate in leadership, community service, and nation-building.

The Founder of AYVI Network addresses the audience passionately during an outdoor event, emphasizing the importance of empowering youth voices.

Our vision is captured in the anthem we hope to inspire: "One day, the resounding anthem of Gen Z shall echo, 'I aspire to lead and uplift my community and nation.'"

This vision drives everything we do, from our structured programs to our community initiatives.

The AYVI Difference: Our Ten-Point Agenda

What sets AYVI Network apart is our comprehensive Ten-Point Agenda that addresses the multifaceted challenges facing Nigerian youth:

1. Digital Skills Advancement: We address the 85% skills gap among Nigerian graduates through structured training in web development, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and data analysis.

2. Leadership Development: We cultivate next-generation leaders through personalized development training that focuses on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and effective leadership practices.

3. Civic Engagement: We organize town hall meetings connecting youth with local leaders to discuss community issues and encourage active participation in governance.

4. Gender Inclusion: We maintain a 60:40 female-to-male ratio in all programs to empower more women for leadership positions and address the current 5% representation gap.

5. Disability Inclusion: We ensure 20% program participation from people living with disabilities to create genuinely inclusive youth empowerment.

6. Mentorship Network: We connect participants with experienced professionals across various sectors to provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities.

7. Community Service: We implement youth-led service projects that address local needs, fostering a sense of responsibility and developing practical problem-solving skills.

8. Knowledge Multiplication: We train participants to become trainers, creating a multiplier effect where each graduate impacts at least two additional youths.

9. Cross-Regional Collaboration: We foster partnerships between chapters across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, creating a nationwide support system for youth initiatives.

10. Digital Advocacy: We empower young people to utilize digital platforms effectively for positive social change and community development.

Our Core Values

Six fundamental principles guide our approach:

1. Digital Excellence: We believe in the transformative power of digital skills as the foundation for future leadership and economic empowerment.

2. Inclusive Leadership: We champion leadership that embraces diversity, values all voices, and creates opportunities for the marginalized.

3. Service-Oriented Mindset: We promote the ethos that serving humanity is the most outstanding work of life and the most trustworthy path to meaningful impact.

4. Knowledge Multiplication: We believe that knowledge shared multiplies its power, and we are committed to cascading learning throughout our communities.

5. Innovation with Purpose: We encourage innovative thinking that addresses real community challenges and drives sustainable change.

6. Integrity and Accountability: We uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and take responsibility for our actions and commitments.

The AYVI Network Experience

Membership in the AYVI Network offers a progressive journey of growth and impact. Our Growth Cadre system allows members to advance through clearly defined roles with increasing responsibilities—from Volunteer to Manager—while developing specific leadership skills at each level.

Through our structured programs in digital skills training, leadership development, civic engagement, and community service, members gain not just technical skills but also the confidence, connections, and vision to become change-makers in their communities.

Fig 2.0 AYVI embodies a 60:40 female: male ratio.

Join the Network

As we prepare for our chapter inauguration on May 30, 2025, we invite you to be part of this transformative journey:

• Please become a Member: Join our community of young change-makers dedicated to personal growth and community impact.

• Partner with Us: Organizations and institutions can collaborate with us to expand our reach and enhance our effectiveness.

• Support Our Mission: Donations and in-kind contributions enable us to expand our programs and reach more young people.

• Spread the Word: Follow us on social media and help share our message with others who might benefit from or contribute to our work.

In the words of our creed: "We Lead, We Serve, We Transform." This mantra encapsulates the essence of AYVI Network—a community committed to developing skills, serving communities, mentoring others, and leading with integrity as we build a Nigeria where all youth can thrive, contribute, and lead.

The journey of transforming youth participation in Nigeria's leadership landscape begins with a single step. We invite you to take that step with us.

For more information about AYVI Network, please get in touch with us at hello@advancingyouthvoice.org or call +234 906 149 3078. Follow us on our social media handles.