FG Launches ‘YO! Health’ Campaign to Boost Youth Well-being Nationwide

Maryam Aminu

In a bold step to improve the health and well-being of young Nigerians, the Federal Government has unveiled YO! Health, a new national health awareness campaign targeting youth across the country.

The initiative was officially launched by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, at a high-level event held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. YO! Health seeks to promote healthy lifestyles and empower young people with the information and tools needed to take control of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Speaking at the launch, Olawande said the campaign is rooted in the government’s commitment to youth development and health equity. “Good health is a prerequisite for young people to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society,” the Minister said. “YO! Health is designed to bridge the gap in access to essential health services while advancing awareness, education, and preventive care.”

The initiative focuses on six strategic pillars: Mental Health; Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse; Communicable Diseases; Health Insurance (especially for youth in the informal sector); Non-Communicable Diseases; and Sexual & Reproductive Health.

According to the Minister, these focus areas were selected based on data and insights from young Nigerians themselves, reflecting real challenges and lived experiences. The campaign also revolves around four key objectives: Raising Awareness, Empowering Youth, Advocacy and Policy Influence, and Co-Design and Implementation.

YO! Health is a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with the Federal Ministries of Health and Women Affairs, civil society organizations, international partners, and private sector stakeholders.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, lauded the initiative as a holistic approach to youth health. He described it as a “structured framework to address critical aspects of youth health and well-being,” adding that the program reflects the government’s dedication to building a healthier, more empowered generation.

The initiative has received strong backing from the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose support was acknowledged by Olawande during the launch event.

YO! Health is expected to roll out nationwide in the coming months with community-based activations, health outreach programs, and digital engagement strategies tailored to young Nigerians.