SID Initiative Holds Close-Out Ceremony for The We Lead Project, Launches Documentary, Impacts Story Booklet

The Sustainable Impact and Development (SID) Initiative officially marked the close-out of the transformative We Lead Project with a vibrant stakeholder engagement event held on Saturday, June 21st, in Lagos, Nigeria.

The event brought together rightholders, youth-led organizations, development partners, government representatives, and the media to celebrate the project’s achievements, reflect on key lessons, and amplify the call for sustained, inclusive advocacy on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Nigeria.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of a compelling documentary and an Impact Story Booklet capturing the voices, experiences, and transformation of rightholders reached across Lagos, Oyo, and Osun States. These powerful resources underscore the deep impact of the We Lead Project and serve as tools for advocacy, learning, and collaboration.

Funded by HIVOS, We Lead was a five-year initiative (Jan 2020 – June 2025) focused on advancing SRHR among marginalized and underserved populations, with a particular emphasis on adolescent girls and young women, including persons living with HIV (PLWHIV) and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Through community-led advocacy, social media, capacity-building, and inclusive programming, the project empowered young people to take charge of their sexual and reproductive health and become change agents in their communities.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of SID Initiative, Ms. Elizabeth Talatu Williams, reflected on the journey and impact of the project.

“The stories in this booklet and documentary are not just reflections,” she said. “They are testimonies of transformation and proof that when young people lead, communities thrive.”

The project reached over 200 adolescent girls and young women, building their capacity and agency to demand their SRHR.

The event featured goodwill messages from key partners, including Suru Emmanuel (ISHRAI), Halima Olaniyan (Afay Health), Assumpta Khalil (SUOF), and Ifeoluwa Asaolu (Value Female Network – VFN), all of whom commended SID’s inclusive approach and far-reaching impact.

“The work SID has done is loud and visible,” said Suru Emmanuel. “We are proud of the commitment and can’t wait to see what comes next.”

The premiere of the SID documentary, which showcases the five-year journey of the We Lead Project, was followed by the unveiling of the Impact Story Booklet.

Ms. Williams also shared lessons learned and challenges encountered during the project’s implementation.

Furthermore, Rightholders and stakeholders shared heartfelt testimonies. Okiki Eretan, a project beneficiary, expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained and enthusiasm for future SID initiatives.

Rt. Hon. Itunnuoluwa Soniregun, from the Lagos State Youth Parliament, praised the documentary and expressed interest in future collaborations.

Dr. Wuraola Adeyemi, representing the Lagos State Ministry of Health, applauded SID’s youth-led approach and reaffirmed government support.

The closing remarks came from the Board Member, Blessing Bamidele, who celebrated SID’s quality of work and shared hope for future impact.

The Sustainable Impact and Development Initiative is a youth-led non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing the SRHR of adolescents and young people in both urban and rural communities in Nigeria.

SID envisions a society where every young person’s health and development is realized. Our mission is to empower young people to lead healthy lives by providing sexual and reproductive health and rights information and services through comprehensive sexuality education, capacity building, advocacy, and digital innovation.