People Changing the World
My name is Tonny Silas Dauda and I'm a 25 year old ONE Champion
from Nigeria.
Tell us about yourself...
While I was studying physics at the University of Jos, I joined a
global youth leadership movement called AIESEC. There, I worked with
other young people from Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, Denmark, and
Kenya. I learned about international development, advocacy, and how
youth can influence decisions at different levels. This eventually
led me to become a ONE Champion in 2020.
As a Champion, I'm part of a youth-led Africa-Europe Task Force
working to foster a stronger cross-continental partnership. For over
a year, my team and I have been meeting with important African and
European political leaders to urge them toinvest in stronger health
care systems and global access to COVID-19 vaccines. Recently, I
felt the impact of our work when EU leaders publicly pledged
important funding to help with both of these issues.
Outside of ONE, I manage a volunteer program at UNITE 2030,
helping young people develop career skills.
What work or project has had a big impact on
you?
In 2018, I made a rather crazy decision that changed my life
forever. I had just graduated from university and I was not sure
what I wanted to do next with my life. I decided to live and work in
the Republic of Benin for one year through AIESEC,even though I
couldn’t speak the language and didn’t know anyone there.
That year was the most challenging time of my life, but also the
most fulfilling! Despite the language barrier, I was able to work
well with my team and ran campaigns to engage youth action on the
Sustainable Development Goals. It taught me a lot about the power of
youth action. Even when we're divided by cultural or national
differences, if we are united by a drive for impact, we can do
anything!
What motivates you in and outside of your
work?
Ending extreme poverty and preventable disease are the two most
basic challenges every human needs to overcome to live a dignified
life. My family has always been there to remind me that I am here to
add value to the world and that I can make my own little, yet
significant, contribution in making the world a better place.
Outside of work, I love to hang out with friends, travel, and I
enjoy listening good music over lunch or dinner. I'm currently
reading Ego is the enemy by Ryan Holiday and rewatching
Friends all over again for the 1 millionth time!
📺 Watch this video on Tonny's favourite moment as an
activist. | 
