Olufunke's journey of leadership and public service
At YOURS, we believe that investing in young leaders creates impact that lasts far beyond a single programme. The opportunities, networks, and experiences young people gain today can shape the leaders they become tomorrow, influencing communities, institutions, and decision-making long after an initiative has ended.
A member of the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety and the YOURS Youth Leadership Board, Olufunke has built her career around public service and communication, using her voice to help connect people with the policies and programmes that shape their daily lives. Today, she serves as an Information Officer at Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, where she supports public communication, media relations, and strategic information for national government initiatives.
Her journey into public service began with a strong commitment to creating positive change. In 2023, she received a National Productivity Merit Award from the President of Nigeria, recognising her contribution and opening the door to her appointment within the Federal Civil Service. Since then, she has continued to build a career dedicated to serving the public with professionalism and purpose.
That commitment was recognised once again this year, when Olufunke was named Staff of the Year by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation during Nigeria's Civil Service Week 2026.
The award is one of the Ministry's highest recognitions, celebrating public servants who demonstrate exceptional performance, professionalism, teamwork, innovation, reliability, and dedication to public service throughout the year. Rather than acknowledging a single achievement, it reflects consistent leadership and contribution across all aspects of a person's work.
Reflecting on the recognition, Olufunke shared:
"I feel deeply honoured and grateful for this recognition. It's a strong validation of my hard work and a reminder that diligence in public service does not go unnoticed. It motivates me to keep serving with even more excellence and integrity."
Looking ahead, she remains focused on continuing her professional growth while expanding her impact.
"I plan to keep serving humanity with dedication and integrity, and to remain open to opportunities that will strengthen my professional growth. Every new opportunity is a chance to make a bigger impact, both at work and in the wider community."
Stories like Olufunke's remind us that meaningful youth participation is not measured only by the projects young people complete, but by the leaders they become. Creating opportunities for young people to learn, connect, and lead is an investment whose impact continues long after a programme ends, strengthening institutions, inspiring others, and contributing to safer and more sustainable communities.
At YOURS, that is what success looks like: not only supporting young people to lead today, but helping create the conditions for them to continue leading wherever their journey takes them.
