A diverse group of around 30 people pose together in a room with wood-paneled walls. They wear name tags, smiling, conveying a sense of unity and collaboration.

Public Narrative Training in Nigeria

31 March – 2 April 2026, Abuja, Nigeria

From March 31 to April 2, 2026, 30 young leaders from across Nigeria gathered in Abuja for an intensive Public Narrative Training under the AU–EU Youth Voices Lab programme. Organized by Oxfam in Africa in collaboration with Search for Common Ground and Oxfam in Nigeria, the training brought together a diverse group of youth activists, community leaders, civil society representatives, and youth advocates, including young women and persons with disabilities.

The three-day training focused on strengthening participants’ storytelling, advocacy, and leadership skills as tools for social change. Through interactive sessions, participants learned how to craft and deliver compelling public narratives using the framework of “story of self, story of us, and story of now.” This approach enabled them to connect personal experiences with broader societal challenges such as governance, peacebuilding, and civic participation.

The training combined formal and informal learning methods, including facilitated presentations, storytelling exercises, group discussions, reflection circles, and peer-to-peer exchanges. These activities fostered a collaborative and supportive environment where participants could build confidence and refine their communication skills.

Participants reported significant growth in their ability to express their ideas and advocate for change. One participant shared, “Before this training, I had ideas, but I didn’t know how to express them. Now I can clearly tell my story and connect it to change in my community.”

Beyond individual skill-building, the training contributed to developing a strong network of young leaders equipped to engage in constructive dialogue and influence decision-making processes. By equipping young people with practical tools for storytelling and advocacy, the Public Narrative Training in Nigeria serves as a catalyst for youth-led change, empowering participants to mobilize their communities and drive meaningful social transformation.