The first YMCA organized group in Nigeria was formed in the city of Kano in 1925 but that local church-based group soon faded away until 1944 when YMCA was formed in Lagos. Taking a cue from Lagos, YMCA groups sprang up in other cities and towns with YMCA Kaduna formed in 1964 being the first within Northern Nigeria. The National Council is the representative organisation of the YMCAs in Nigeria and is an integral part of the African and World Alliances of YMCAs. It brings together the YMCAs in Nigeria to harness resources, share experiences and face the challenges of the country as a network. The volunteer and staff structures have enabled broad cross-sections of Nigerian people to participate in the identification, design and management of community-based youth programmes. As a volunteer-driven organisation, the YMCA places strong emphasis on democratic leadership, transparent governance, and inclusive participation of the communities with whom we work.