12/08/2026
Today was such a beautiful and impactful day for me.
As we celebrated International Youth Day, I had the privilege of being in a room filled with young, vibrant and purposeful minds at an event organized by DEAN Initiative, tagged "One-on-One with Uncle Dapsy.”
The day was not just about celebrating young people; it was also a moment of reflection for me about the opportunities we have as young people, the challenges we face, and, most importantly, the responsibility that comes with being young.
One of the first sessions was by Theophilus, who spoke about volunteerism and its importance to young people.
One question he asked which stayed with me was: “What are you living for, if not for others?”
He reminded us that volunteering is more than just giving your time. It is about bringing your skills, your energy, your network and your abilities to make an impact, without making financial gain the primary motivation.
He also highlighted some of the things we can gain through volunteering—confidence, purpose, skills, evidence of experience, networks and leadership.
And one thing I particularly loved was his encouragement that we don't have to wait for permission to make an impact. We can start local. We can start small. We can start with the skills we already have. We can join existing systems, document our processes and, most importantly, build consistency.
He also cautioned us against what he called performative volunteerism. That is volunteering just to be seen or to have something to post. The goal should be that when you show up, someone becomes better because you showed up.
Then we had a session with Mr. Semiye Michael, who spoke on strengthening youth advocacy for digital policy accountability. One of the things I took away from that session was the importance of young people not just being users of digital spaces but also becoming active participants in conversations around the policies and systems that govern those spaces.
Then came what was, for me, one of the most profound sessions of the day, the conversation with Uncle Dapsy (Mr Dapo Olorunyomi the Chief Executive Officer/Publisher of Premium Times Newspaper).
One thing he said that really struck me was that the community and society we live in belong to us and we have a responsibility towards the spaces we occupy.
He also said something very profound: we have a mission that we can either fulfill or betray.
That made me think deeply about purpose. What am I doing with what I've been given? What am I building? And am I actually fulfilling the responsibility that comes with the things I have been called to do?
Another lesson that really stayed with me was about vision.
He reminded us that having a vision does not necessarily mean that you have to be the person at the forefront of executing every part of it.
Sometimes, you can have a vision, communicate that vision to the right people, empower them to run with it, and hold them accountable.
You don't have to do everything yourself. You don't have to be everywhere and you don't have to be at the forefront of everything simply because you want the glory.
Sometimes, leadership is knowing the right people to work with, trusting them with the vision, and creating a system where everyone can contribute meaningfully.
Honestly, I left that room with a lot to think about.
International Youth Day wasn't just a celebration for me today. It was a reminder that being young is not just about age. It's about responsibility, contribution, growth, leadership and the willingness to make a difference wherever you find yourself.
A very special thank you to DEAN Initiative. for the invitation and for creating a space where young people could learn, connect, reflect and have meaningful conversations.
It was truly a worthwhile way to celebrate International Youth Day, and I'm grateful that I got to be in the room.
My name is Sarah Oriowo.
