100 Nigerians Chosen For Us Mandela Fellowship

SAN FRANCISCO, May 06, (THEWILL) – The United States Government has announced its selection of 100 young Nigerians to participate in the 2016 Mandela Fellowship.

The U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria said in a statement, on Friday, that the beneficiaries were selected from among other 10,000 Nigerian applicants and tens of other applicants from across Africa.

According to the statement, the selected applicants, who were selected from across Nigeria, would undergo six-week studies in civic leadership, business and entrepreneurship and public management in various universities in the United States.

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, quoted in the statement, congratulated the selected Nigerians for scaling through the competitive process.

“Our goal was to select a diverse group, both geographically and socio-economically, representing all that Nigeria has to offer,” he said.

“You today represent the best of Nigeria's youth and the future of the country.

“Your selection says who you are as young leaders and the impact you are having on your communities as entrepreneurs, civic leaders, public servants, and champions of renewable energy.”

The Mandela fellowship was initiated by the U.S Government to recognise the increasing roles that young Africans are playing in strengthening democratic institutions, economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa.

The Mandela Fellowship, which empowers Young African Leaders through academic coursework, leadership training and networking, started in 2014; so far, 86 Nigerians have participated in the programme.

The Fellows, who are between the ages of 25 and 35, have established records of accomplishments in promoting innovation and positive change in their organisations, institutions, communities and countries.

Story by David Oputah