Inspiring the Next Youth Initiative

About Us

Our Story

About Us At Next Youth Initiative (NYI), we believe that young people are not just leaders of tomorrow—they are catalysts of change today. Founded with the vision of building a generation of purpose-driven, innovative, and socially responsible leaders, Inspiring the Next Youth Initiative provides platforms for learning, mentorship, and community engagement.

We focus on areas such as Youth Leadership, Tech & Innovation, Agriculture & sustainability, Education & Skills development—ensuring that every young person we reach is better prepared to shape their future and contribute to their communities. We are committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through youth-driven programs and projects that address real challenges while unlocking potentials. Our approach is inclusive, collaborative, and future-focused, bridging the gap between opportunities and the youths who need them most. At Next Youth Initiative, we don’t just invest in programs—we invest in people. Together, we are raising a generation of confident, innovative, and resilient young leaders who will transform society. Our Motto: Dream it. Do it. Lead it

Our Motto

Dream it. Do it. Lead it

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Mr. Joseph Iliya

Chairman Board of Trustees

About The Founder

Mr. Joseph Iliya – Founder & Executive Director
Joseph Iliya (born 16 January 1987 in Bunguru Village, Bauchi State, Nigeria) is a visionary leader, youth advocate, and strategic thinker dedicated to empowering the next generation. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Inspiring the Next Youth Initiative, a role he has held since January 2023, where he provides strategic leadership, oversees program design and execution, and champions youth development across education, mental health, digital literacy, and community impact initiatives.

Joseph holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Benin, Nigeria (2014). He earned a National Diploma in Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology from the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi (2009), a Federal Craft Certificate from Government Technical College Gumau, Toro, Bauchi State (2007), and a First Leaving School Certificate from L.E.A Peyi, Bwari, Abuja (2000).

Professional Experience

Joseph’s career spans leadership, banking, engineering, and youth development:

Executive Director, Inspiring the Next Youth Initiative — Abuja, Nigeria (2023–Present)

Leads program expansion into schools and communities, strengthening youth participation and access to learning and wellbeing support.

Oversees organizational operations, budgeting, fundraising, proposal writing, and donor reporting.

Spearheads advocacy campaigns aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 4, 8, and 10).

Program Coordinator / Youth Development Lead, Northern Education Initiative (NEI) (2019–2023)

Designed and implemented youth training programs in education, skills development, and wellbeing.

Coordinated outreach projects, mobilized beneficiaries, and facilitated school-based activities.

Banking Officer, Access Bank PLC, Abuja (2015–2019)

Managed financial transactions, remittances, and card requests, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Oversaw inward and outward clearing and improved branch operational efficiency.

Control Room Engineering Technologist, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) (2014–2015)

Applied engineering expertise to installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical systems.

Supported technical project execution and compliance.

Directorships

Executive Director, Inspiring the Next Youth Initiative (Jan 2023–Present)

Executive Director, Peak Solutions Limited (Mar 2021–Present)

Board Director, ILIYA ImpactHer Foundation Ltd (Jul 2021–Dec 2025)

Accomplishments

Youth Programs & Community Impact:

Executed a 3-day mental health peer ambassador training for 120 secondary students (2025)

Launched a digital literacy campaign reaching 5,000 youths (2024–2025)

Managed community outreach impacting 2,300 beneficiaries (2022–2024)

Organized mental health mentorship across 5 schools (2024–2025)

Coordinated SDG-themed youth engagement reaching 800 young people (2022)

Launched a peer-to-peer youth leadership initiative (2021)

Leadership & Organizational Growth:

Led a team of 12 staff to achieve 98% customer satisfaction (2017–2019)

Increased branch productivity by 25% through operational coordination (2016–2017)

Increased membership engagement by 40% via strategic social media campaigns (2023)

Secured partnerships with 6 major stakeholders for youth programs (2024)

Boosted fundraising revenue by ₦3.5 million through targeted sponsorships (2022)

Hobbies & Interests

Strategic reading on leadership, business, and innovation

Public speaking and thought leadership

Mentoring young professionals

Networking and professional development

Volunteering and nonprofit engagement

Industry research and innovation trends

Philosophy

“Success is measured not only by results but by the positive impact we create for people and communities.”

Joseph’s career spans leadership, banking, engineering, and youth development:

Executive Director, Inspiring the Next Youth Initiative — Abuja, Nigeria (2023–Present)

Leads program expansion into schools and communities, strengthening youth participation and access to learning and wellbeing support.

Oversees organizational operations, budgeting, fundraising, proposal writing, and donor reporting.

Spearheads advocacy campaigns aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 4, 8, and 10).

Program Coordinator / Youth Development Lead, Northern Education Initiative (NEI) (2019–2023)

Designed and implemented youth training programs in education, skills development, and wellbeing.

Coordinated outreach projects, mobilized beneficiaries, and facilitated school-based activities.

Banking Officer, Access Bank PLC, Abuja (2015–2019)

Managed financial transactions, remittances, and card requests, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Oversaw inward and outward clearing and improved branch operational efficiency.

Control Room Engineering Technologist, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) (2014–2015)

Applied engineering expertise to installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical systems.

Supported technical project execution and compliance.

Directorships

Executive Director, Inspiring the Next Youth Initiative (Jan 2023–Present)

Executive Director, Peak Solutions Limited (Mar 2021–Present)

Board Director, ILIYA ImpactHer Foundation Ltd (Jul 2021–Dec 2025)

Accomplishments

Youth Programs & Community Impact:

Executed a 3-day mental health peer ambassador training for 120 secondary students (2025)

Launched a digital literacy campaign reaching 5,000 youths (2024–2025)

Managed community outreach impacting 2,300 beneficiaries (2022–2024)

Organized mental health mentorship across 5 schools (2024–2025)

Coordinated SDG-themed youth engagement reaching 800 young people (2022)

Launched a peer-to-peer youth leadership initiative (2021)

Leadership & Organizational Growth:

Led a team of 12 staff to achieve 98% customer satisfaction (2017–2019)

Increased branch productivity by 25% through operational coordination (2016–2017)

Increased membership engagement by 40% via strategic social media campaigns (2023)

Secured partnerships with 6 major stakeholders for youth programs (2024)

Boosted fundraising revenue by ₦3.5 million through targeted sponsorships (2022)

Hobbies & Interests

Strategic reading on leadership, business, and innovation

Public speaking and thought leadership

Mentoring young professionals

Networking and professional development

Volunteering and nonprofit engagement

Industry research and innovation trends

Philosophy

“Success is measured not only by results but by the positive impact we create for people and communities.”

Executive Director, Inspiring the Next Youth Initiative (Jan 2023–Present)

Executive Director, Peak Solutions Limited (Mar 2021–Present)

Board Director, ILIYA ImpactHer Foundation Ltd (Jul 2021–Dec 2025)

Youth Programs & Community Impact:

Executed a 3-day mental health peer ambassador training for 120 secondary students (2025)

Launched a digital literacy campaign reaching 5,000 youths (2024–2025)

Managed community outreach impacting 2,300 beneficiaries (2022–2024)

Organized mental health mentorship across 5 schools (2024–2025)

Coordinated SDG-themed youth engagement reaching 800 young people (2022)

Launched a peer-to-peer youth leadership initiative (2021)

Leadership & Organizational Growth:

Led a team of 12 staff to achieve 98% customer satisfaction (2017–2019)

Increased branch productivity by 25% through operational coordination (2016–2017)

Increased membership engagement by 40% via strategic social media campaigns (2023)

Secured partnerships with 6 major stakeholders for youth programs (2024)

Boosted fundraising revenue by ₦3.5 million through targeted sponsorships (2022)

Strategic reading on leadership, business, and innovation

Public speaking and thought leadership

Mentoring young professionals

Networking and professional development

Volunteering and nonprofit engagement

Industry research and innovation trends

Philosophy

“Success is measured not only by results but by the positive impact we create for people and communities.”

“Success is measured not only by results but by the positive impact we create for people and communities.”

Our Ethos

Vision

Our mission is to empower, inspire, and equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Mission

Our mission is to empower the next generation of leaders by equipping youth with the skills, opportunities, and mindset to create sustainable change in their communities and beyond. We believe in turning potential into action, challenges into growth, and dreams into reality.

Our Aim

To inspire, equip, and support young people to become proactive leaders who drive positive change in their communities and the world.

Leadership

Our team is an excellent team that stays steady to guide the ship.

Mr. Joseph Iliya

Founder & Executive Director

A visionary leader passionate about youth empowerment and sustainable development. He drives NYI’s mission to build a generation of transformative leaders.

Mr. Kenneth Awenegieme

Programs Coordinator

Designs and manages youth-centered programs, ensuring every initiative is impactful, inclusive, and aligned with NYI’s mission.

 

Tammy Barnabas

Social Media & Communications Manager

Amplifies youth voices by managing NYI’s digital presence and engaging the community through compelling stories.

 

Mr. Sake Iliya

Procurement & Inventory

Oversees procurement and inventory management, ensuring accountability and efficiency across NYI’s projects.

Miss Goodness Dauda

Logistics Coordinator

Ensures smooth logistics for programs and events, working tirelessly to deliver hitch-free experiences.

Advisory Board

Our advisory board includes experienced professionals and community leaders who provide mentorship, strategic guidance, and expertise to strengthen our vision and ensure sustainability.

Volunteers & Partners

From mentors to partners, NYI thrives on the contributions of dedicated individuals and organizations who give their time, knowledge, and resources to empower the next generation.