By Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The World Scout Bureau is sending a high-level delegation to Nigeria, led by its Acting Secretary General, from January 20 to 23, 2025. This visit highlights the Bureau’s dedication to strengthening its partnership with The Scout Association of Nigeria (TSAN) while advancing youth development and community service initiatives in the country.
A pivotal moment of the visit will be the official conferral of the title Grand Patron of the Scout of Nigeria on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The recognition celebrates his leadership and the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to empowering the youth through education, capacity-building, and community engagement programs.
The conferral ceremony is expected to draw dignitaries, government officials, and key stakeholders from Nigeria's scouting community, further cementing the President’s support for youth development initiatives in line with global best practices.
Over the four-day visit, the delegation will hold critical discussions with TSAN leadership to evaluate the association's progress, address operational challenges, and identify areas for growth. These meetings will prioritize aligning TSAN's activities with global and regional development frameworks, including:
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing education, gender equality, and climate action.
The African Union’s Vision 2063, focusing on a prosperous Africa driven by empowered youth and the Federal Government’s national programs aimed at youth capacity building and economic empowerment.
The delegation will also meet with government representatives, Scout leaders, and local partners to enhance collaboration. These engagements aim to secure TSAN’s position as a vital public utility organization that bridges the gap between young Nigerians and opportunities for personal development, leadership, and community service.
Established in 1907 by Lord Baden-Powell, the World Scout Movement is the leading global educational youth organization, boasting over **57 million members across 176 National Scout Organizations**. The World Scout Bureau serves as the movement’s international secretariat, championing the mission of empowering young people to become responsible citizens who positively impact their communities.
This visit underscores Nigeria's growing significance within the global scouting community. As one of Africa’s largest youth populations, Nigeria represents a vital frontier for the World Scout Movement's vision of inspiring and equipping the next generation with skills and values for nation-building.
The Acting Secretary General emphasized that this visit is not only an acknowledgment of TSAN’s contributions but also a commitment to ensuring that Nigerian youths continue to benefit from the life-changing opportunities scouting provides.
With a history spanning decades, The Scout Association of Nigeria has been instrumental in nurturing leadership, discipline, and community service among Nigerian youths. As the country embraces this renewed collaboration with the World Scout Bureau, the future of scouting in Nigeria looks poised for even greater achievements.
This historic visit is a testament to the enduring impact of scouting values in shaping responsible and empowered young citizens, ensuring that they remain catalysts for positive change in their communities.
