Around 1,500 people from across Nigeria gathered for the country’s largest Scouting Jamboree to celebrate the achievements of Scouts and shine a spotlight on the importance of community service, environmental conservation, and leadership development.
Speaking at the National Parade and Presidential Awards in Abuja, Andrew “Andy” Chapman, Chairperson of the World Scout Committee, praised Scouting for enabling young people gain vital life and leadership skills, build confidence, and learn to make responsible choices. He noted that the annual Scout Jamboree in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory reinforces the idea that young people are part of a larger, interconnected world.
Andy’s visit marked the latest in a series of key engagements across the Africa Region designed to showcase Scouting’s impact on the growth and development of Scouts, as well as on local communities, and society at large.
Reiterating the transformative power of Scouting, Andy shared insights from studies showing that former Scouts were more likely to achieve better educational and career outcomes. He also expressed optimism that Scouts, equipped with the values and skills gained through Scouting, would excel in leadership roles and contribute positively to society.
"[Scouts] are more likely to have a better formal education, make more money throughout life and get along with other people because what we do in Scouting cascades into all aspects of life," Chapman said.
Frederic Tutu Kama-Kama, Regional Director of the Africa Scout Region, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that high-quality Scouting at the local level has a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians and the country at large.
He noted that Scouting enables young people to be peace-builders through “friendship, character, and discipline … things that are going to present them as responsible citizens later in life.” Kama-Kama also pointed out that Scouting’s system of recognition helps boost young people’s confidence and plays a vital role in community development.
Early this year, Andy and Frederic travelled to Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, for the 14th Africa Scout Day, where more than 500 Scouts from 15 countries gathered to celebrate Scouting’s achievements in the Region and reflect on shared goals of youth empowerment, community development, and peace-building.