YALI Network Osun

We constantly take on opportunities to be our best, build capacities, and increase our competence to do more for ourselves and our communities.

It was an exciting, interesting, and insightful session at the October Meet-Up of the . We had amazing training and conversations on the topic: Leading Forward - Practical Insights to Supercharge Your Leadership.

One of the key takeaways:
• Lead Yourself
• Lead Others
• Lead for Change

We appreciate our amazing leaders and facilitators Oluwatomisin Riches Olatoye , Ekundayo Oluwadamilare , Osato Osemwingie , Babawale.

Dear Highflyer,

In a couple of days, I will be celebrating another birthday. As I sat this morning to reflect on my journey so far, it came to my heart to put this out there -

Starting the journey to go after our dreams many times may seem daunting. The *courage* to go on despite the feeling of inadequacy and the *decision* to enjoy the *process of becoming* is part of what makes achieving the dreams worthwhile.

An airplane will burn sixty percent of its fuel while taking off. Once it is up in the air, it will fly across half the globe 🌎 with the fuel it has left.

Pursuing a dream is like the journey of an airplane ✈️. It is usually more demanding at the beginning. You will burn more energy to start it off but once it stabilizes, it can carry you far into the future you have always dreamt about.

That it is possible does not mean it is going to be easy. You will have to put in the work even when people around you don't see the possibility.

*Remember, it is your Dream, not their Dream!*

It may not make sense now, but it will soon make sense.

To your growth and development,

Oluwatomisin A. OLATOYE

The organized her monthly meetup on September 23, 2023, centered around the theme "Understanding Problem-Solving as Young Leaders." This event aimed to empower emerging leaders with essential problem-solving skills and insights for positive community impact. The event featured video tutorials, breakout sessions, and engaging discussions.

The meetup took place at the Windows on America Uniosun Teaching Hospital Medical Library in Ìdí Seke, Osogbo, Osun State. This modern facility provided an ideal and conducive environment for productive discussions and immersive learning for the over 20 participants.

Highlights of the event included:
- An introduction/networking session moderated by Salvation Grace that facilitated valuable connections and the exchange of innovative ideas among attendees.

- Small group breakout sessions moderated by Oluwadamilare Ekundayo where participants actively applied problem-solving techniques to real-life scenarios to address challenges with people

- Informative video tutorials offering in-depth insights into various problem-solving strategies and techniques.

- An inspiring session anchored by Mr. Oluwatomisin Olatoye (Coordinator) emphasizing the pivotal role of problem-solving ineffective leadership.

- Participants were led to make a pledge and commitment to the principles of accountability and transparency in the activities and dealings of YALI Network as instructed by the officials of the US Embassy and US Consulate.

- During the event, the nomination of members into the YALI Osun Electoral Committee was done. The committee will champion and organize the electioneering process that will lead to the emergence of new leaders of the executive committee.

- Discussion of programs and projects for the network such as the "Digital Inclusion Project for People living with Disabilities" to train them on digital skills that can make them self-reliant and partnerships with other organizations.

Key takeaways from the event included:
- The recognition of problem-solving as a fundamental skill for young leaders in addressing and overcoming challenges.
- Emphasis on the importance of collaboration, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives and collective efforts in generating innovative solutions.
- Practical problem-solving tools and techniques applicable across various leadership contexts.

The event attracted a diverse group of young leaders, including members of the YALI Network Osun, students, and professionals from various sectors, which enriched and enhanced the overall experience.

Conclusively, the YALI Network Osun monthly meetup on September 23, 2023, focusing on "Understanding Problem Solving as Young Leaders," was an informative and interactive gathering. It successfully equipped participants with valuable problem-solving skills and encouraged collaboration among young leaders.

This event reflects the network's unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders capable of addressing complex issues and driving positive change within their communities.

The insights gained during this meetup will empower young leaders to navigate challenges effectively and contribute to societal betterment. The YALI Network Osun looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering leadership excellence among its members.

‼️ *Call for Volunteers*‼️

To mark the 2023 World Clean-up Day, is organizing a Community Clean up Action.

We are hereby calling on motivated environment conscious Young African Leaders who will like to be a part of this move to join us to and .

Date: Saturday 16th September, 2023

Time: 8am

Location: Orisumbare Market, Osogbo

For Enquiries: Call 07030124886

One of the hallmarks of effective leadership is the ability to generate innovative ideas to solve problems.

The existence of problems beg for solutions not mere discussion of the problems.

Let's equip ourselves with knowledge and skills to be problem solvers as young leaders.

📢 Ready to make a difference?

Join , where you can connect, access resources, and collaborate with like-minded individuals to drive positive change in your community.

Be part of a vibrant network that empowers young leaders to create a lasting impact.

Join us today: https://bit.ly/yalinetworkosunreg

*YALI Network Osun*

*YALI Network Online Course of the Month:*

```Management Strategies for People and Resources```

Explore the essential skills required in leading individuals and organizations including problem-solving, developing teams, or managing situations.

Access it through the link 🔗 below:
https://yali.state.gov/courses/course-887/ #/

You can share your certificate of completion when you're done. We will love to celebrate you.

_YALI Network Osun_

*YALI Network Osun*

*Theme for the Month*
```Understanding Problem - Solving as Young Leaders.```

Problem-solving skills are important in every career at every level.

When employers talk about problem-solving skills, they are often referring to *the ability to handle difficult or unexpected situations in the workplace as well as complex business challenges.*

Organizations rely on people who can assess both kinds of situations and calmly identify solutions. Problem-solving skills are traits that enable you to do that.

To solve a problem effectively, you will likely use a few different skills.

This month, among other things you will do, endeavor to pursue knowledge to improve your problem-solving capabilities.

Wishing you all the best.

```YALI Network Osun```

```Welcome to September, dear YALI Network Osun community!```

As the sun rises on this new month, so does our enthusiasm for meaningful engagements and positive transformations. Get ready for a month filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to our shared mission of change-making.

Your active participation is not just appreciated – it's essential. Let's set the bar high for ourselves, aiming to be catalysts of change and champions of progress.

So gear up, embrace the challenge, and seize the opportunities that September brings. Let's elevate our spirits, engage our minds, and empower one another to make a lasting difference.

Stay lifted & motivated

```YALI Network Osun```

The future of work requires that youths develop new in-demand relevant skills.

Let's go for the SKILLS.

Happy World Youth Skills Day.

As enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, every citizen above 18years have the right to participate in the process of selecting our leaders at all levels by voting during an election.

It is therefore important that you exercise this right in the forthcoming Governorship election in Osun State.

Today, Tuesday October 5, 2021, we are hosting the YALI Homecoming Summit 2021 by 2pm prompt.

This is part of the efforts of the US Consulate Lagos to bring together leaders in the three arms of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) - Mandela Washington Fellowship, Regional Leadership Centre and the Network to collaborate and work on leadership development projects in the SouthWest States comprising Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti.

The US Consulate Lagos will be represented and is ably led by the Public Affairs Officer - Mr. Stephen Ibelli

We look forward to an informative, interesting and engaging discussion and resolutions from this program.

Safe journey to everyone coming! We can't wait to receive you all ❤️

Pictures from the Mandela Washington Fellowship Application Outreach Program held at the Windows on America, Osogbo, Osun State.

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5. It is the United Nations principal vehicle for creating awareness and encouraging action for the protection of the environment. This year, PAKISTAN will be hosting the 2021 World 🌎 Environment Day

To commemorate the day, YALI Osun will be hosting an Online Webinar which will be facilitated by a seasoned professional in the environmental space.

Date: June 5, 2021

Time: 7pm

Venue: Google Meet

Link: http://meet.google.com/mfh-phey-bxt

Facilitator: Dr Samson Olanrewaju

See you there!

Tomorrow, Friday, 28th May, by 10am, we will be having a School Outreach and Sensitization programme in commemoration of the WORLD MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY 2021 at the *School Hall, Federal Government Girls College, Ipetumodu

Aside the sensitization, we will be distributing sanitary pads to the girls tomorrow as well.

We will love you to be a part of it 💪💯

Kudos to our wonderful partners: , FGGC Ipetumodu and VARSH.

is billed to speak to wonderful people including you tonight by 8pm on Google Meet on the topic "Tools of Effective Personal Branding for Increased Visibility"

Personal Branding is a major key to personal development and career growth!

Here's the link to be a part of it ➡️https://meet.google.com/nrm-umph-doe

You can login through your browser or chrome too 🤗

One of the biggest goals for entrepreneurs is to achieve greater efficiency in all aspects of their endeavours and GROWTH is more than just a thing to them, it's also a goal...

Join us this night, as we would be taken on a tour of growth in our entrepreneurship endeavours by a renowned entrepreneur and a youth

DATE: MAY 01, 2021
TIME: 8:00PM
VENUE: Google Meet via http://meet.google.com/fyx-vjmi-gfh

Today by 9am, we will be reaching out to the Oke-Baale Community in Osogbo for community awareness and sensitization outreach to commemorate the 2021 World Malaria Day with the aim of Reaching the Zero Malaria Target.

Nigeria records more than 1.5 million cases of malaria per year.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable.

In 2019, there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide. The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 409 000 in 2019.

Sport has the power to change the world; it is a fundamental right, a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and promote sustainable development and peace and well as solidarity, and respect. Through our unique individual skills and collective power, we can come together and share creative ways to improve our health and well-being through sport and physical activity - even from the confines of our own homes.

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on 6 April presents an opportunity to recognize the role that sport and physical activity plays in communities and in people’s lives across the world.

However, the emergence of, COVID-19 pandemic has made it so difficult to gather as friends, for teams and fans to compete, play and cheer together. This has taken a toll on individuals, societies, organizations and economies.

Sport has been playing a wonderful role in promoting fairness, team building, equality, inclusion and perseverance, since it helps us defy any form of stereotypes and unnecessary boundaries that may bring separation to individuals. This wonderful time must be brought back by ensuring an end is put to the ravaging COVID'19 by protecting ourselves from engulfment of this disease.

Representatives of the US Embassy, Abuja Visit to Osun State

As part of the commitment of the US Government to deepen it activities to contribute to the development of Nigeria, American corners, American spaces and Windows on America are opened in different locations as a way of getting the American presence to communities.

During the outgoing week, representatives from the US Embassy, Abuja visited Osun State for a number of activities. Part of the activities was to inspect the new "Window on America" space that is located at the UNIOSUN (former LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Osogbo and to have discussion with some invited alumni of American Exchange programs in Osun State.

The invited alumni were the Coordinator of the YALI Network, Osun State - 'Tomisin Olatoye who is also a 2018 Fellow of the YALI RLC and Adedayo Adeniyi (Dayo Nigeria) , a 2016 Mandela Washington Fellow.

The representatives were Mr Clemson Ayegbusi, the Academic and Cultural Exchange coordinator at the US Embassy and Mr Conley, a US Mission first Secretary at the US Embassy.

During the discussion, the alumni spoke on their activities after the exchange program, the impacts made so far and the challenges. One of the highlight of the discussion was the efforts made to establish the YALI Network in Osun, the impacts made so far and the challenges.

The representatives promised the continuous support of the US Government to
development in the country by way of grants and linkage to resources such as the Window on America.

The Osogbo Window on America when commissioned will be opened to the YALI Network and Alumni for different programs and activities.

Oh yeah! It's our first Face2Face Meetup of the year! 🔥

Join us tomorrow by 11am ✨

It's certainly a new year to do more for humanity! ✨

It's certainly a new year to learn, break barriers and grow! 💡

Let's do more in 2021! 🎊

🎄🎅🏻❤️

A season of love, a season to give and a season to share. ❤️

Against all odds which caught up with us during the course of this year, we still have our optimistic heart that "ALL IS WELL" and there will always be a 'Reason for the Season" 💫

We're wishing you all the very BEST that this season has brought and wishing all the greatest of 2021 which will meet us well... 🎉

Happy Festivity💡

Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon Yemi Lawal Interacts with YALI Network Osun Members as they Inaugurate a New Executive Team

YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative) is an initiative of the US Department of State designed to invest in young African leaders to spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic system in the community, hence in its effort, the Osun State Hub of YALI Network, today, held the End of the Year Meetup for its members to unwind, network, discuss and analyze issues on personal cm societal development in the state and beyond.

The Meetup which took place at Matadors Leadership Institute, Osogbo, the state capital was attended by members of the network and some important personalities such as the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon Yemi Lawal, Dayo Nigeria and many others.

Speaking at the event, Hon Yemi Lawal stated the effort of the state government in enhancing development and growth in the state through the youths. He however explained the 4′ Es of the Government policy for Youth in the state which are namely: Education, Engagement, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship.

While stating his point, he however identified three categories of youths in the state which are high risk, medium risk and low risk and he expressed that the high risk are the menace in the society.

The Commissioner ends on the note by inaugurating the new executive members of YALI Network Osun and admonishes members to support them to move the hub forward.

Dayo Nigeria, Executive Director, Matadors Leadership Institute also admonished the members to do more in solving societal problems, set proper standards for others to follow and live up to the responsibility of being a YALI member.

The newly inaugurated executive team led by the Coordinator, ‘Tomisin Olatoye, who was reelected, will pilot the affairs of the hub for the next 365 days.

The rest of the new executive members are: Tobi Olanipekun (Deputy Coordinator), Abayomi Popoola (General Secretary), Omolayo Kehinde (Programmes Officer), Ruth Atoki (Financial Secretary), Esther Olasupo (Treasurer) and Olayinka Oke (Public Relations Officer).

2020 will surely be an unforgettable year in the lives of many for one thing or the other. As a hub, we are overly grateful for everything and motivated to do more! 🙏

This Saturday, we will be having our End of the Year Meetup to unwind, merry, network and of course, chart a new course for 2021! 🎊

Join us if you can people! 🤗

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.

It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

Welcome to the last leg of 2020! 🎊

We are wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance ❤️💡❤️

The YALI RLC West Africa Cohort 37 Application is still open until 29th November, 2020!

The RLC West Africa develops the skills of young African leaders by providing core training in contemporary African issues, as well as specialized training in three key areas: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, and Public Management.

But how do we successfully scale through the application?

Join Tomisin Olatoye & Omolara Alabi on Thursday, 12th November, 2020 by 7pm for "YALI RLC Application Review"

You don't want to miss this!

© YALI Network Osun 2020

Remember that the citizens that were unjustly killed during the protests in October didn't make it to NOVEMBER with us? 💔

Remember that we must never forget them. ✊

Remember that justice must be served. 🥊

Remember that this is a NOVEMBER for remembrance, healing and action! 🕹

Naija! We celebrate you at 60! 🇳🇬

"...and we use this medium to call for more genuine investments in the youth of this nation. We are the present and the future!"

🇳🇬 Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! 🇳🇬

🇳🇬 Independence Day Contest 🇳🇬

Steps

1. Record a 30 seconds video of you proffering "a workable solution" in one of the following sectors in Nigeria namely Health, Education, Security, Economy, Sports, Power, Infrastructure, Arts & Culture, Science & Technology, Labour or Entertainment.

2. Follow, Mention & Tag & on Instagram in your post.

3. Use the hashtag -

4. Post

Video Entry Closes by 12pm on 4th October, 2020

Rewards for 5 Best Videos: Free T-shirt, Airtime, Data, Free Herbal Soap, Free Haircut & Free Photoshoot

Good luck & Happy Celebrations 🤗

The International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.

The values of freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage are essential elements of democracy. In turn, democracy provides the natural environment for the protection and effective realization of human rights. These values are embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and further developed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which enshrines a host of political rights and civil liberties underpinning meaningful democracies.

The link between democracy and human rights is captured in article 21(3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states:

“The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.”

The rights enshrined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and subsequent human rights instruments covering group rights (e.g.indigenous peoples, minorities, people with disabilities) are equally essential for democracy as they ensure an equitable distribution of wealth, and equality and equity in respect of access to civil and political rights.

Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies. Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection. It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalized and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.

In the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development adopted in September 2015, the United Nations recognizes that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. The Agenda also calls for a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. It also acknowledges the role of the diverse private sector, ranging from micro-enterprises to cooperatives to multinationals, and that of civil society organizations and philanthropic organizations in the implementation of the new Agenda.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth in the Agenda can be grouped into six critical areas: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. They have the potential to transform our lives and our planet by providing the framework needed for philanthropic institutions to enable all people to contribute to the betterment of our world.

Reposted from - Exactly a week ago, on 28th August, 2020, by 10am, we journeyed from Osogbo to Oke-Ila Orangun in Osun State to pay an Advocacy Visit to the King of the town and embark on a community outreach, preaching and sensitising the locals about the dangers of female ge***al mutilation (FGM).

His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Abolarin received the team well in his palace before we proceeded to the town for the sensitization and awareness exercise. He commended us for our foresight, hard work and passion to see one of the societal ills eradicated. He charged us not to relent and further implored us not to neglect the rural areas but rather look forward to doing more at 'home'.

The team numbering twelve (12) in total was divided into four (4) subgroups and kicked off the exercise in cardinal directions. With over 50 points visited within 60 minutes, we were able to reach over 150 people using door - door sensitization method. Apart from FGM materials distributed, we also gave out free hand sanitizers to the locals as a preventive measure against COVID-19. We deployed an engaging method of sensitization to drive home the message of ending FGM and charged the locals to be advocates against the unfortunate act starting from their immediate family.

An highlight of the exercise was when a nursing mother revealed her plans of mutilating her 6 months old baby in 2 days time! Our intervention, sensitization and persuasion caused her to cancel her plans on the spot! We sent another subgroup to reaffirm her new position. We are so glad our outreach saved a baby from being mutilated!

We rounded up our activity with a visit to The Abolarin College, Oke-Ila Orangun and spent valuable moments with the students. We engaged the students who were siting for WAEC about FGM. We promised them to come back and spend more time with them! We also acknowledged the wonderful works Kabiyesi Oba Abolarin is doing with the students and school. The students of the school are receiving free education, feeding and accommodation. It was an inspiring moment for us!

By 6pm, we were back in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State! ✌

Amidst everything, including the pandemic, the new normal and as we begin the EMBER periods, ensure you take 'positivities' out of it all.

Positivity is all that matters and there's still so much more to achieve as we wind down 2020! ✌

💜 Welcome to S E P T E M B E R 💜

Today's the International Day Against Nuclear Test ❌🚀❌

❇️2020👇🏽

✝️14 January: the E3 (France, Germany, the United Kingdom) referred the matter of phased withdrawal of nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Program of Action (JCPOA) by the Islamic Republic of Iran to the JCPOA’s Joint Commission, invoking the dispute resolution mechanism of the agreement.

✝️27 March: The Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons was postponed to a later date due to COVID-19 pandemic, as soon as the circumstances permit, but no later than April 2021.

✝️13 April: The Fourth Conference of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia was postponed to a period in 2021 to be decided by the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session.
2 July: the Islamic Republic of Iran referred the implementation issues with the E3 (France, Germany, the United Kingdom) to the JCPOA’s Joint Commission, invoking the dispute resolution mechanism of the agreement.

By 7pm, the last session of our this August will kickoff with the resourceful Atinuke Lebile.

It has been a worthwhile journey learning from the impactful journey & experience of these amazing young leaders.

One thing that stands out is that, they all didn't get here today to share their experience with us without them patiently going through the 'process'.

Dear Young Leader, always remember that growth is a 'process'.