HATFIELD, United Kingdom — Across rural Nigeria, millions of people continue to face barriers to quality education, health care and economic opportunities. While governments and development organizations play an important role in reducing poverty, local volunteers are increasingly helping bridge gaps in communities where essential services remain limited. As these challenges persist, youth volunteering in Nigeria is becoming an important way to support underserved communities and encourage locally driven development.
Nigeria’s Youth Population
Nigeria has one of the world’s largest youth populations, with more than 60% of its population under the age of 30, according to Nigeria’s National Population Commission. This young population represents a significant opportunity for community development, especially in rural areas where poverty remains a major challenge. The Borgen Project spoke with Okikijesu Zion Babarinde, founder and executive director of Camp Adventure Africa, and Samuel Areo, a volunteer with the organization, about how young Nigerians are supporting communities affected by poverty.
Poverty in Nigeria
Poverty continues to affect millions of Nigerians. According to Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, 63% of Nigerians were multidimensionally poor in 2022, meaning they lacked adequate access to areas such as education, health care, sanitation and housing. Rural communities experience a greater burden, with 72% of rural residents classified as multidimensionally poor compared with 42% of people living in urban areas.
The World Bank has identified poverty reduction, job creation and improved access to basic services as major development priorities for Nigeria. The organization has also highlighted that economic pressures, limited infrastructure and unequal access to opportunities continue to affect vulnerable households, particularly in rural areas.
Youth Volunteering In Nigeria
These challenges have created opportunities for local organizations to support communities facing poverty-related barriers. One organization working in this area is Camp Adventure Africa, a youth-led nonprofit that combines leadership development with community outreach projects. Founded in 2008, Camp Adventure Africa focuses on civic leadership, empowerment and adventure-integrated community outreach. Through its annual summer camp outreach, island outreach and December camping and outreach experience, the organization provides educational support, health awareness activities, skills training and livelihood assistance. “The biggest challenges we see are limited access to quality education, health care gaps, unreliable infrastructure and youth unemployment,” Babarinde told The Borgen Project in an interview. According to Babarinde, Camp Adventure Africa has reached more than 241,600 people across more than 160 communities with the support of more than 5,000 volunteers since its establishment.
Supporting Education Through Volunteer Action
Limited access to education remains one of the factors contributing to poverty in rural Nigeria. For many low-income families, the cost of school materials, uniforms and other educational needs can create additional barriers to children remaining in school. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) identifies poverty as one of the major challenges affecting children’s ability to access quality education in Nigeria, particularly among vulnerable communities. Improving educational access is considered essential for breaking cycles of poverty and creating future opportunities.
Through its outreach programs, Camp Adventure Africa works to reduce some of these barriers through initiatives such as book distributions and back-to-school projects. These programs provide learning materials while encouraging young people to become involved in supporting their communities. Volunteer Samuel Areo joined Camp Adventure Africa in 2024 and currently serves on the organization’s logistics team. He told The Borgen Project that participating in the organization’s book initiative helped him understand the importance of supporting children in underserved communities. “I participated in the project by making a monetary donation for the purchase of the book materials,” Areo said. “They were distributed to the children during the outreach.”
For Areo, volunteering has also changed his understanding of poverty. He explained that poverty is not only about income but also about whether people can access basic services. “Some communities lack portable water, health care facilities and many more,” Areo said.
Addressing Health and Community Needs
Poverty in rural Nigeria extends beyond education and income. Many communities also experience challenges accessing health care, clean water and reliable infrastructure. According to the World Bank, improving access to essential services remains a key part of reducing poverty and improving living conditions.
Camp Adventure Africa addresses some of these challenges through health awareness campaigns, screenings and community outreach activities. The organization also provides welfare items, including food and clothing, based on the needs identified within communities. Areo said some communities have also received solar lights to improve access to electricity, particularly in areas where infrastructure remains limited. Through youth volunteering in Nigeria, young people can contribute local knowledge and practical support to communities facing challenges that are often overlooked. Volunteers often have a stronger understanding of local needs because they work directly with community members.
Creating Livelihood Opportunities
Reducing poverty requires more than addressing immediate needs. Sustainable development also depends on helping individuals build livelihoods and access economic opportunities. Nigeria continues to face challenges related to unemployment, particularly among young people. The World Bank has emphasized that investing in human capital, expanding economic opportunities and creating jobs will be important for Nigeria’s long-term development.
Camp Adventure Africa supports livelihood development through skills acquisition training and small grants for community members. Babarinde shared the story of a young mother who received skills training and financial support to expand her produce business. According to Babarinde, the support helped her move beyond previous limitations by allowing her to access larger markets outside her village. The improvement in her business increased her income and created greater stability for her family. Although this represents one individual experience, Babarinde said the story reflects the organization’s wider goal of helping communities develop sustainable solutions rather than relying only on short-term assistance.
Building Long-Term Community Leadership
Camp Adventure Africa focuses not only on delivering services but also on building local leadership that can continue after volunteers leave. Babarinde explained that the organization trains local community members and youth leaders, works with schools and maintains follow-up systems to encourage long-term sustainability. “The goal is always community ownership, not one-time delivery,” Babarinde said. For Babarinde, youth participation is essential because young Nigerians understand many of the challenges facing their communities firsthand. “Young people are not just beneficiaries of development,” Babarinde told The Borgen Project. “They are the majority stakeholders in Nigeria’s future.” Nigeria’s large youth population presents both challenges and opportunities. Expanding opportunities for young people will be essential for reducing poverty and supporting long-term development.
While volunteer organizations cannot replace government investment in infrastructure, education and health care, they can help address immediate needs and strengthen community participation. Camp Adventure Africa’s work demonstrates how youth volunteering in Nigeria can support rural communities by improving access to essential services and empowering young people to become leaders. As Nigeria continues working to reduce poverty, youth-led initiatives provide an example of how local action can contribute to broader development goals. By investing their time, skills and resources, young volunteers are helping create opportunities for communities that have often been left behind.
– Abisola Oladipupo
Abisola is based in Hatfield, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr