Meet Purity Oriaifo, Save the Children Nigeria Youth Ambassador
1.Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Purity Oriaifo, a passionate child rights advocate and Youth Ambassador with Save the Children Nigeria. I’ve dedicated myself to creating safe spaces for children and empowering girls to speak up, be seen, and heard.
2. What's one unique thing about you?
I'm driven by curiosity, I ask questions until I understand a thing fully.
3. What inspired you to get involved with Save the Children initially and how did your journey begin as a girl champion?
My journey into advocacy began not out of ambition, but out of a deep sense of responsibility. Growing up, I witnessed many girls in my community dropping out of school, unaware of their rights and unable to speak up for themselves. That reality stirred something in me of which I couldn’t just watch. I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless, to speak where silence had become normal.
Save the Children International became the platform that gave my voice direction. I was introduced to the Girl Champion program, which offered training, mentorship, and the opportunity to understand how to influence change through structured advocacy. As a Girl Champion, I began engaging in community dialogues, campaigns, and forums
To me it was more than just giving speeches, it was about listening, learning, and leading with empathy. That first step into Girl Championship shaped not only my understanding of advocacy but also ignited my passion for long-term change in the lives of girls.
4. Can you describe your transition from being a Girl champion to becoming a youth ambassador (what changed in your responsibilities, visibility or impact)?
My journey began as a Girl Champion when I was still a child ( under 18 ) using my voice to speak up for the rights of girls, especially those who couldn't speak for themselves. At the time, my focus was largely on child-centered issues, particularly those affecting girls: access to education, protection, and participation.
As I grew older, so did the scope of my advocacy. Transitioning into adulthood naturally expanded my perspective and responsibilities. I moved from just raising awareness to leading conversations, mentoring younger advocates. Becoming a Youth Ambassador felt like an evolution for me, not just in title, but in impact.
5.How has your experience been so far as a youth Ambassador?
It’s been nothing short of transformative. Stepping into this role has allowed me to grow not just as an advocate, but as a leader. I've learned how to mentor and guide younger girl champions, using my journey to inspire and support theirs.
6.What challenges did you face along the way and how did you overcome them?
One major challenge I faced was balancing my academics with my advocacy work. There were times I had to travel for engagements or miss classes for important advocacy activities, and catching up wasn’t always easy. I often spent late nights reading and making up for lost time, it was tough, but I knew I had to give my best in both areas.
For me, one of the strongest ways to lead is by example. I couldn’t be advocating for excellence and empowerment if I wasn’t pushing myself to live it. So even when it was hard, I kept going.
7.What are the key issues you advocate for as a youth Ambassador?
As a youth Ambassador I advocate for gender equality, mental health awareness, education for all, and meaningful youthful participation, I believe that young people should have a seat at the tables where decisions about their future are made.
8.Can you share one or two real-life stories where your advocacy efforts made a difference -either in your life or someone else's?
I was just 10 when I began my journey in advocacy. One of my earliest and most defining moments was visiting a local community where a large number of children weren’t going to school. It was my first real experience stepping into a space where decisions were made. I stood before community elders, elders, and the king. I spoke from the heart about the power of education and what it means for a child’s future.
I was nervous, but I believed in every word. Weeks later, I heard the news: many of the children had started going to school. That moment changed everything for me. It wasn’t just a win, it was proof that a young girl’s voice could spark real change. That experience became one of the first bricks laid on this path I walk today advocating for the rights, dreams, and dignity of every child, A
9.You had a unique opportunity to discuss with prince Harry and Meghan last year? What was the experience like for you?
It was a moment of great excitement and pride. Being selected to speak during such a high-level visit proved that young advocates like me are being seen and heard. I felt incredibly honored to represent the voices of girls and children across Nigeria on such a global platform.
10.What did you talk about with them, and how did it feel to have your voice heard?
I used the opportunity to highlight major issues affecting children, especially in Northern Nigeria like limited access to education, gender-based violence, harmful traditional practices, and the lingering effects of conflict. I wanted the world to see the resilience of Nigerian children, but also the urgent need for action and support to secure their rights.
11. How has the moment shaped your advocacy or given you a new platform to speak from?
It was a powerful and unforgettable experience. To stand before global icons like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and speak truth to power reminded me that advocacy works. It also reinforced that there are leaders out there who genuinely care and are willing to listen. It was a huge encouragement to keep raising my voice for myself and for every child whose story deserves to be told.
12.Looking back what are you most proud of in your Advocacy journey so far?
I’m proud to have grown from a local voice to a global changemaker. From taking action in my community to speaking on National and international platforms and most importantly, mentoring other young advocates to rise and lead too.
13.What are your hopes and goals for the future - as an advocate or change maker?
I want to help build a world where no one is left behind, where children are protected, youth voices are heard, and girls everywhere have the power to lead, learn, and thrive. My goal is to keep raising awareness, influencing policies, and mentoring the next generation of changemakers so that impact goes beyond moments and becomes a movement.
14. How can other young people -especially girls- get involved and use their voice like you have ?
Start small, speak up in school, join youth-led platforms, join or start up Advocacy clubs. Your voice matters no matter your age.
15.Whats your final message to government leaders, developing organizations, or even global influencers about listening to young people and involving them in decision-making?
Don’t just talk about including young people DO IT. We have ideas, energy, and lived experience. Listening to us can lead to more effective, inclusive policies.
