US pledges support for young African leaders through MWF leadership scheme
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A reunion conference and welcome reception has been organised by the United States Mission in Nigeria for 55 young Nigerians who participated in the 2022 Mandela Washington Fellows (MWF) leadership programme.
The programme enabled them to study Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management at American colleges and universities.
They also met and interacted with other young leaders from across the world and participated in workshops with U.S. officials and representatives of businesses and organisations with interest in Africa.
U.S. Consul General Will Stevens reiterated at the reception that Africa’s future rests in the hands of extraordinary young leaders keen on pursuing and achieving their dreams.
“The U.S. government is committed to supporting extraordinary young leaders to achieve their dreams and it is remarkable to see that the Mandela Washington Fellowship program is impacting communities through the outstanding and inspiring contributions of more than 24,000 alumni,” he said.
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Contributions of YALI alumni to communities
Stevens said the outstanding contributions of some Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) alumni have helped improve lives of visually challenged persons, women, and disadvantaged children in remote communities.
He named such alumni to include
- Grace Jerry, founder of the Inclusive Friends Association
- Nkem Okocha, founder of the MamaMoni Empowerment Foundation; and
- Orondaam Otto, founder of Slum2School Africa
He urged the new fellows to continue working on critical issues that will impact the lives of fellow Nigerians, such as promoting entrepreneurship and education, supporting democratic governance, and building a strong civil society.
“As the new fellows take their place as part of the YALI generation, we look forward to learning about their inspiring work in Nigeria and effort to solve climate crises and build a sustainable, inclusive global economy that will shape Nigeria’s future.”
MWF backstory
Washington established the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders in 2014 as the flagship youth exchange programme to further American commitment to investing in the future of Africa.
U.S. Missions across Sub-Saharan Africa select each year accomplished leaders with record of promoting innovation and positive impact in their countries.
About 511 Nigerians have participated in the programme out of a total 5,800 young leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Nigeria is the largest contributor of Fellows each year.