Scouts Association of Nigeria to Host Annual Jamboree in Abuja …3,500 Young Scouts Expected

The Scouts Association of Nigeria has finalized preparations for its annual jamboree, set to hold in Abuja from August 15 to 21, 2025.

Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the Chief Commissioner of the Scouts Association of Nigeria, Dr. Dave Paldopal Awuna, announced that at least 3,500 young scouts from across the 36 states of the federation will participate in the week-long event.

This year’s jamboree, themed “Towards Peace and Unity”, aims to reawaken national consciousness among Nigerian youths. Dr. Awuna explained that the 2025 Scouts Parade and President’s Award (NISPPA) is designed to foster national cohesion, encouraging young scouts to look beyond religious, cultural, and ethnic differences and see one another as family.

According to him, the association is considering making the jamboree an annual event. He emphasized that the gathering seeks to bridge the gap in national unity — something he described as “missing” in Nigeria today.

> “That is what scouting has represented for over 100 years,” he said.

Dr. Awuna appealed to the Federal Government to support the Scouts Association of Nigeria as a tool for strengthening unity, lamenting the lack of government patronage.

> “Our government needs to look our way. We have been on our own. Elsewhere, such as in Kenya, governments ensure scouts enjoy full support,” he stated.

Despite limited resources, he noted that the association has been actively collaborating with government agencies on critical social issues, including campaigns against drug abuse and child trafficking in partnership with NAPTIP.

He further stressed that many countries integrate scouting into national policies, but in Nigeria, such frameworks are absent.

> “No nation can grow without scouting,” he maintained.

Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their contributions to scouting in Nigeria, Dr. Awuna recalled that as Governor of Lagos State, Tinubu provided two scout camps in Ogudu and Ibese, while the First Lady was the seventh leader of the Girls’ Guides in Nigeria.

He called on the Federal Government to partner with the Scouts Association in addressing social vices such as drug abuse, armed robbery, and internet fraud among youths.

Those present at the press briefing included Hon. Aghatese Idubor JP, member of the Scouts Board; Dr. Segun Akintobi, National Headquarters Commissioner; Engr. Babatunde Oyetayo, National Executive; and Dr. Zack Ekanola, Chairman of the NISPPA Planning Committee.