Skip to content

YPFN 5.0 gathered 7,100+ young people at the National Stadium, Surulere. Watch the highlights.

Youths of ValueDevelopment · Faith · Leadership
Donate

About Us

A youth-focused organisation raising a generation of purpose-driven young people.

SO FAR

Our Story

The Youths of Value Empowerment Initiative is the umbrella body behind the annual Youths Pray for Nigeria (YPFN) gathering. It was established to inspire Nigerian young people to take responsibility for the country's future through personal development, positive values, leadership, and nation-building.

According to a report published by THISDAY on October 21, 2024, YPFN was started by Festus Ighodaro, its convener, who launched the first conference in 2022 in Lagos. His vision was to encourage young people to stop seeing their future as dependent solely on government and instead become active participants in building the Nigeria they want.

A speaker and band on stage at Youths Pray for Nigeria.

800+

2022

3600+

2024

7100+

2026

How YPFN began

The founding story can be understood through four ideas.

  1. 1

    A concern for Nigeria's future

    The initiative emerged from a desire to counter hopelessness among young Nigerians amid economic difficulties and uncertainty about the country's future.

  2. 2

    A vision to inspire young people

    Festus Ighodaro believed young people should not simply wait for government to solve the country's problems. They should develop the character, skills, and mindset needed to contribute to national development.

  3. 3

    The first conference in 2022

    About 800 young people attended the inaugural conference, where they listened to experienced speakers, learned about personal development, and connected with other students.

  4. 4

    Growth and wider impact

    Attendance reportedly rose to 1400 in 2023 and more than 7100 at the fifth annual conference in 2026.

The core vision

YPFN goes beyond praying for Nigeria. It combines faith with practical preparation for the future.

  • Prayer

    Encouraging young people to seek God concerning Nigeria's future.

  • Patriotism

    Helping young Nigerians believe in their country and its potential.

  • Character

    Promoting diligence, honesty, godliness, and responsible living.

  • Leadership

    Inspiring young people to use their talents, education, and creativity to improve society.

FURTHER READING

Our Vision

To raise a generation of spiritually grounded, morally upright, and purpose-driven young people with faith in the greatness of their nation and who will positively impact society.

Our Mission

To empower young people through holistic development programmes that nurture spiritual growth, promote education, strengthen leadership, develop practical skills, and inspire community service.

OUR VALUES

What we stand for

  • Integrity

    We do what we say, in public and in private.

  • Discipline

    We show up, stay with the work, and finish it.

  • Compassion

    We see the young person, not only the programme.

  • Respect

    We honour every young person, family, and partner.

  • Service

    We use what we have for the good of others.

  • Accountability

    We answer for the trust people place in us.

  • Excellence

    We give our best to the work and to the young people in it.

  • Faith

    We depend on God and point young people toward him.

WHAT WE AIM FOR

Our Aims and Objectives

  1. 1

    To advance the course of Nigeria youths through sensitization on their expected contribution to nation-building in order to restore hope of a greater future in Nigeria.

  2. 2

    To promote love for fatherland among the youths and strive to imbibe in them essential traits such as godliness (shunning crime and irresponsible behaviors), diligence (taking advantage of productive opportunities in Nigeria), love for the nation (doing their best for the nation).

  3. 3

    To provide educational programs that inform youths about their roles and responsibilities in national development, highlighting the importance of active citizenship.

  4. 4

    To collaborate with other organizations, government bodies, and educational institutions to create platforms for youths to engage in discussions and initiatives related to nation-building.

  5. 5

    To cultivate leadership skills among youths through training/workshops, mentorship programs, and practical experiences that empower them to take on leadership roles in their communities.

LEADERSHIP

Leadership and Governance

The people who hold the vision, the programmes, and the care of the young people we walk with.

Read their profiles

Together, We Can Shape the Future

Join the movement