LEAP Africa, via its Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), has offered a $1.2 million grant to 170 youth groups to enhance their engagement in governance and policy advocacy. Supported by MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Luminate Group, this initiative aims to bolster youth leadership through policy engagements and inclusive resources.
Kehinde Ayeni, Executive Director of LEAP Africa, highlighted the grant’s focus on promoting civic engagement and urged judicious utilization by beneficiaries. The unveiling event in Abuja witnessed support from Dr. Joe Abah, who stressed the need for reduced costs of political nomination forms to encourage youth participation in politics.
Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, encouraged youths to drive transformative change, while Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, emphasized the importance of empowering financially stable youths for democratic progress. Gbajabiamila addressed the necessity of rebuilding the national economy to facilitate opportunities for young people’s engagement in governance.
He further stressed the significance of credible elections, urgin the need for an electoral system reflecting the people’s will. Additionally, Gbajabiamila emphasized the Legislative Mentorship Initiative’s purpose in training competent public sector leaders to drive progress and prosperity for all.
Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director General of NILDS, highlighted the program’s role in fostering a well-equipped legislative cadre for effective governance and representation.
The event marked a significant step towards empowering young leaders and fostering a vibrant legislative cadre capable of navigating Nigeria’s governance complexities. The initiative aims to enable effective representation and drive progress for the nation.
