On December 15, 2025, Mr Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, a grassroots civil society leader in Nigeria and Executive Director of Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), actively contributed to job creation policies during the “Meeting of National Experts to Score the Implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria,” held at Amber Residence, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. Organised by the Nigerian Network of NGOs, the event convened prominent NGO leaders from across the country.
At the event, Mr Olaore underscored the importance of quality education (SDG 4), emphasising entrepreneurship and skills development to prepare future generations for meaningful employment as ‘opportunity entrepreneurs.’ He observed slight improvements in Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) in Nigeria, which he attributed to initiatives by the Federal Government of Nigeria, such as Youth Skills Development programs, soft loans for SMEs, and capacity- building efforts supported by the World Bank and other stakeholders. Mr Olaore called for enhanced collaboration among the government, the World Bank in Nigeria, grassroots NGOs, and relevant stakeholders to promote inclusive growth for underserved communities. While commending the Nigerian Network of NGOs for its impactful contributions, he proposed further strengthening its partnership with the government and the World Bank to foster inclusivity and sustainable development.
Mr Olaore also highlighted the role of NGOs and civil society organisations as catalysts of meaningful development, bridging gaps, influencing policy discussions, and contributing to effective policy transformation systems.
Mr Rafiu Olaore serves as an elected representative for the African Western and Central Regions on the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund Civil Society Policy Forum (2024-2026). He is the founder of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), a youth- focused NGO accredited with Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2025.
