Our History

iYouth Resource Centre was officially registered with the Government of Nigeria as a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization in 2020, but our impact activities trace back to 2015. Our journey began when our Executive Director, Mr. Osazee Isonarae, driven by a passion to address the digital divide, took a bold step in Osun State, where he served his National Youth Service Corps in 2012. Recognizing the need for digital literacy, he initiated ICT clubs in public schools, providing free hands-on computer training and leadership mentorship to secondary school students once a week. This grassroots initiative attracted friends and close acquaintances who volunteered their laptops and expertise.

The impact of this program led to our Executive Director's selection for the inaugural cohort of President Barack Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative at the West Africa Regional Center (YALI RLC) in Accra, Ghana, in 2015. This fully funded fellowship, alongside other notable emerging leaders in Africa, further fueled his motivation to harness the potential of exceptional teenagers and youth in underserved communities who, due to lack of opportunities, might turn to negative social vices.

Building on this foundation, we launched the ICT Retreat BootCamp, a pilot program for selected senior secondary school students across public schools in Osun State, known as ICT RETREAT 2019. As the first of its kind in Osun State, this initiative was a collaboration with the Osun State government through the Ministry of Education. Our efforts continued with the TechRise Challenge and various youth and small business development initiatives.

In 2017, we partnered with the U.S. Government Exchange Alumni Association (Osun State Chapter) to organize the prestigious “Code Osun” initiative, further expanding our reach to selected public schools across Osun State.

Today, we have empowered about a thousand youths, delivered over 37 programs, and attracted over 21 local and international partners, including the U.S. Department of State, IBM Digital Nation Africa, Meridian International Center, U.S. Mission Nigeria, Africa 2.0, and the YALI Network.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide young people with the necessary resources, skills, and support to help them overcome challenges, navigate their futures, and become self-sufficient, productive members of society. We do this through a variety of programs and initiatives that focus on mentorship, leadership development, skills training, and financial empowerment.

Our aim

We are committed to empowering the next generation and building a brighter future for us all. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of young people and create a more just and equitable world for all.

Our Vision

Through our mentorship program, we connect young people with experienced mentors who provide guidance, support, and encouragement as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood. Our leadership development programs provide young people with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, take on meaningful roles in their communities, and become change-makers in their own right.

We also offer skills training programs that provide young people with hands-on experiences and learning opportunities in areas such as entrepreneurship, technology, and creative arts. Our financial empowerment initiatives provide young people with the resources and support they need to build financial literacy, manage their finances, and achieve their financial goals.