I am Mfreke Anakan Ayan-Asigbe. I am a Public Health Specialist and the CEO of Cypress Global Health and the Founder of the Women Riding on Waves Initiative. I am also the secretary for Young Women in Politics Forum, Cross River State Chapter, and the Deputy Coordinator Women’s Leadership Institute Network, Cross River State Chapter. I am currently a Fellow at the Emerging Political Leadership Fellowship.

How did you find out about the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship?

I found out about the Fellowship via an email from the Bridge Leadership Foundation.

Give a synopsis of your experience before you joined the Fellowship

Previously, I was a pioneer student of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance as well as an Associate of the Electoral College. I enrolled in African Civic Engagement Academy, where I learnt Civic Engagement. This Fellowship is a plus in my political journey and is also my first political fellowship opportunity.

Why did you apply for the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship?

I applied for this course to gain more knowledge.

What interests you most about being a part of the Fellowship?

I’m most interested in the diversity of the fellows, and the inclusiveness in the selection process.

Briefly share with us some of your best moments during the Fellowship so far.

My best moment is being assigned a task to create political campaign videos for various groups, of which I played the role of Presidential candidate in my team. This task enveloped my mind with sober reflections on the realities of running for a political office, and I realized how beneficial this Programme has been and would still be to me.

How has this fellowship impacted you so far?

Amazingly, I have learnt a lot ranging from visionary leadership, building strategic alliances, planning, crafting a campaign, financing, and running for an office, and I’m channelling all of these learnings to the right perspective.

What are some of the achievements you’ve had during the fellowship?

Interestingly, I have gained more visibility through the Fellowship’s social media platforms, and I have been able to increase my network by partnering with other fellows on projects.

To what extent would you say the Fellowship programme is changing your perception of political leadership in Nigeria?

The Programme has shown me a simplified dimension of emerging as a political leader.

What will you do differently if given a chance to serve your country?

I will ensure inclusiveness, transparent governance and robust civic engagements.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I see myself advancing in my career and attaining a political position.

Would you recommend this fellowship to others? Why?

Yes, because it has helped me shape my vision for leadership and I believe it will do the same for any other fellow.

What will be your advice to young people aspiring to be in politics?

Well… Be on the lookout for opportunities to expand your knowledge because getting into a position equates to apt concentration on shaping the current state of the nation. Widen your networks, broaden your horizons, have an open mind, and be ready to learn, evolve and grow!

I am Olaleye Oluwatobi. I hold a  Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering. At the moment I’m a public servant who works with the Consultant to the Governor of Ogun state on Signage and Advertising where I regulate all Signage in Ogun State and generate revenue for the Government through Signage and advertising in the State. Also, I  run an initiative that focuses on providing access to quality education for kids in underserved rural areas. My strong passion for Child Education led me to create an initiative that could help. Currently, I’m a fellow of the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship 2022 Cohort.

How did you find out about the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship?

I found out about this Fellowship via the Opportunity Desk website.

Give a synopsis of your experience before you joined the Fellowship.

Before I joined the Emerging Political Leaders fellowship, I work with a Political Appointee under the administration of the present government, which has given me an upward experience of what politics is about in the area of Political Appointees and exposed me to broad daylight political practice in the state level which, and I’m still in the learning process.

Why did you apply for the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship?

I applied for the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship because  I hope to gain more advanced leadership skills so as to improve my contribution to nation-building at home and abroad. Participating in a Programme that is focused on building leaders who have goals and vision to serve the people and sacrifice their time to make the world a better place in all forms, will be an opportunity for me to be sharpened professionally, mentally, and ideologically to be a world leader to contribute to nation building and improve sustainable development. On seeing the Programme Curriculum on its website, I was eager to make sure I attend all Virtual closed Sessions of the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship so as to benefit from the Programme fully and also have time to spend with fellow youths who are active policymakers from different walks of life, and who are also doing exploits in their communities to make the world a better place. 

What interests you most about being a part of the Fellowship?

Being part of the fellowship has been a great opportunity for me because it created avenues for me to meet with various Political Leaders and well-experienced Facilitators. The Fellowship gives me room to interact with people who give technical and practical examples of how the Nigerian government was being run in their time, and what it actually entails to get to the ruling seat. The Fellowship gives me the privilege to be mentored by great Mentors. These impacts alone are enough to know where I really have to improve in my political journey. 

Briefly share with us some of your best moments during the fellowship so far.

My best moments during the Fellowship are times when I and other fellows had to come together to get a task done as given to us by the Fellowship I.e.doing group assignments together gives me a sense of belonging. During group assigned tasks, it gives us the opportunity to really deep hands into individual ideas and to brainstorm on the best shot for the task which also serves as a fun learning moment during the Fellowship.

How has this Fellowship impacted you so far?

The Fellowship has taken me through the process of learning what politics means in the theoretical and practical sense. I have learnt from several Facilitators from the Fellowship that an effective leader is, and will aid me in aligning in the right part of contributing to nation-building.  Currently, the Fellowship has given me a foresight of where my strengths and weaknesses lie politically, especially when we learnt about “LEADING WITH EMPATHY” by Maryam Aliko Mohammed.

What are some of the achievements you’ve had during the Fellowship?

I have applied most of the teachings I have learnt during the course.  Currently, I am putting all I have learnt regarding “Running for Office” back home while giving a House of Representatives Aspirant an analysis and he agreed with the idea which made him the candidate of his party here. This Fellowship has afforded me the opportunity to speak audibly about the process of running for office to teenage and young minds who have aspirations of running for office.

To what extent would you say the fellowship programme is changing your perception of political leadership in Nigeria?

I’ll say…Greatly! the Fellowship has given me a  different perception of what it means to Win with Humility and also how to Lose with Grace.

What will you do differently if given a chance to serve your country?

I will take the interest of the masses to heart first before anything else. Afterwards, I’ll Tackle issues the masses are faced with. 

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I see myself being an active policymaker. 

Would you recommend this fellowship to others? Why?

Yes, I would. 

The Fellowship is more like a school where you are taken through the grassroots of politics and what you need to know about being a leader in any area.  EPLF is a school where the Facilitators and the student learns.

What will be your advice to young people aspiring to be in politics?

Having a clear vision of what they actually want to do in politics. Politics is not for the faint-hearted and it’s not for someone who thinks being in power is all about giving orders. Running for an office is more like you going to serve and treat the masses right.

I am Freedom Richard Bassey from Cross River State. I am a Lawyer, a Community Organizer, a Certified Project Manager, and a Human Resources Person. I have contested and held several leadership positions as a student including: Secretary General Student Union Government University of Jos, Member representing University of Jos Law Student at Nigerian Law School, Secretary General NYSC Legal Aid Council Kano State, Coordinator Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria at Nigerian Law School, etc.
I have received several awards of excellence including NYSC Legal Aid Council Corper of the Year Award in 2017. I am a Member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Magistrates Association of Nigeria and an Ambassador of CYPA Africa.

How did you find out about the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship?

I found out about the Fellowship on Facebook.

Give a synopsis of your experience before you joined the fellowship.

I was at the stage of not knowing exactly what next steps to take going forward, owing to a lot of internal and external pressures. Internally, there were a lot of questions on my mind that I could not answer as regards my leadership journey…questions like, is this where I am going to end? And even though I knew inside me that where I am now is not where I am going to end. However, I didn’t know the right person to talk to and the next steps to take. While all these were going on inside of me, I was also facing a lot of external pressures from my job.

Why did you apply for the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship?

I needed to know exactly who to talk to, what to do, how to do it, what next right steps to take going forward in my leadership journey, and I needed guidance and help in that regard.

What interests you most about being a part of the fellowship?

For me I’ll say, being privileged to hear directly from well-experienced people from different fields and backgrounds share their stories and advice on the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. Also, getting to meet and speak with people that I would perhaps never get to meet on my own or that would have taken me a very long time to meet them. Also, the exposure of me being a Panelist on Green Circle Discussions on Twitter, Instagram and me being on TBLF LAP Radio Talk Show etc.

Briefly share with us some of your best moments during the fellowship so far?

I’d say getting to hear advice directly from well-experienced people from different walks of life on different leadership issues. The opportunity to ask questions from past and present leaders across industries on their leadership journey, makes it an interesting moment for me. Also, the exposure of being on Radio Programmes courtesy of The Bridge Leadership Foundation.

How has this fellowship impacted you so far?

Hmmm..there’s not enough space for me to say it all here. The various sessions so far has altered my perspective and values in a very positive way. It has further strengthened the sense of hope and possibilities that I felt for my Country and myself, which I had almost lost before joining the Fellowship. Also, the noble ideas shared so far have helped me to crawl out of my youthful prejudice, and I am able to develop more self-esteem, self-respect, self-awareness and self-consciousness. My contact with The Bridge Leadership Foundation has opened me up to the divergent fundamental contradictions of leadership dynamics of Nigeria and Africa. Interestingly, my resolve, creativity, determination and commitment to my leadership journey had been fortified by the information, tactics, practical exposure, commonsense and noble ideas provided or given to us by this foundation.

What are some of the achievements you’ve had during the fellowship?

I started talking to almost everyone who cares to listen about getting involved in the political process of the day and other civic engagement activities.
I have mobilized community youths with NYSC members for Civic Education and activities in my environs.
I am more aware of what is going on in my environment now than before.
I know how to manage people more than before.

To what extent would you say the fellowship programme is changing your perception about political leadership in Nigeria?

For me, political leadership has been demystified and simplified in my mind, things are clearer and going into political leadership and succeeding now looks very possible.

What will you do differently if given a chance to serve your country?

I will make decisions based on available data, facts and statistics not based on emotions.
I will do more consultations before decisions are made. I will be humble and will lead with empathy. I will achieve or succeed through people by delegating certain tasks to people with proven intelligence, experience and expertise in some designated areas. I will follow due process as laid down by the rules and regulations. I will not only be a reactive leader but a proactive leader as well as execute immediate and short-term solutions, and future or long-term solutions etc.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I see myself more involved at the state level affairs or at the federal level. (Attorney General or Chairman Law Reform Commission of the State or Federal High Court Judge or House of Representatives Member).

Would you recommend this fellowship to others? Why?

Yes. I am doing so already, because what most young people need is mentorship, guidance, information, exposure and support that this fellowship is offering.

What will be your advice to young people aspiring to be in politics?

To every aspiring young person, your dreams are valid, possible and achievable. But you need to have a clear vision, strategy and you must be well prepared. You must be humble, work hard, resilient, committed and must prepare yourself for whatever the outcome might be.

I am Daniel Stephen the nickname Dr. Progress, an EPLF 2022 Fellow. This is a reminder that I’m keen on the service of humanity and ensuring that Africa takes its rightful place in the League of Nations.

How did you find out about the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship?

I am a learning enthusiast and I’m constantly on the lookout for opportunities to improve and grow. I was online on one of my quests for learning when I stumbled upon the fellowship and applied barely a day before the deadline.

Give a synopsis of your experience before you joined the fellowship.

Before joining the Fellowship, I was on the lookout for a platform that teaches politics from a value and principled-driven lens. I have political ambitions but needed to use this period to learn as much as possible about politics and be prepared.

Why did you apply for the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship?

I applied to gain the required competence and skills needed to function effectively in the political space of our nation grounded in sound values and principles.

What interests you most about being a part of the fellowship?

I think what interests me the most is networking with colleagues that I know will do great things in the development trajectory of not just Nigeria but the African continent and the world at large. The classes are also very interesting and I am looking forward to the mentorship phase of the process.

Briefly share with us some of your best moments during the fellowship so far.

Every moment in the fellowship has been unique from my point of view. However, the highlight for me is constantly learning from my colleagues in the fellowship.

How has this fellowship impacted you so far?

I am beginning to get a grasp of what the journey to becoming the President would entail. The process does not just begin with campaigning as there are a lot behind-the-scene work.The Fellowship has also introduced me to people I am not sure I would have met if not for the platform.

What are some of the achievements you’ve had during the fellowship?

I am still learning.

To what extent would you say the Fellowship Programme is changing your perception of political leadership in Nigeria?

I would say a large extent.

What will you do differently if given a chance to serve your country?

I would first acknowledge the mistakes of the past, start the healing process and then make difficult but required decisions for the good of the nation while restoring meritocracy, values, and the rule of law.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I see myself volunteering for different political causes while learning and preparing myself for my political career. I see myself as a thought leader contributing greatly to national discourse and also in little or big ways putting smiles on faces.

Would you recommend this fellowship to others? Why?

Definitely, because it is a great platform to both learn about politics and to also network.

What will be your advice to young people aspiring to be in politics?

The journey is a marathon and not a sprint so pace yourself. Take out time to volunteer and build capacity as must as possible and always remember that as a politician, our role is service to the people and not service to self.

There were 26 participants in attendance, and 3 Speakers present including, Nafisa Atiku Adejuwon(Co-host), Freedom Bassey, and Olusegun Marvelous.

The objective of this activity was:

• To explore the role of social media in contemporary elections. Leveraging social media for enthroning quality leadership.

During this session, the participants’ reactions reflected insights drawn from the sessions with particular reference to the role of the citizen in elections.

Notwithstanding, there are some lessons to learn, which is not necessarily all voters are online, they need to explore door-to-door campaign approaches. The electorates must be regularly sensitized, and grassroots advocates and campaigns should be strengthened. Any elections at the moment cannot be categorically influenced by social media polls.

The best way forward is for Political candidates to understand the power of social media as it would have more impact on elections.

There were 32 participants in attendance, and 5 Panelists were present and including Tukura John Daniel (Moderator), Nathaniel Ovabor, Zakariyya Haruna Liman, Ngozi Nwafor and Elvis Boniface.

The objective of this activity was:
-To understand citizens’ views on the concept of unity and what it represents to them.
-To enlighten citizens about the untapped potential available in our diversity, and what it represents for Nigeria.
-To bring clarity to the impediment that is ‘Indigenization’ to national unity and progress.

In the course of this session, the participants emphasized those biases that living in a system of indigenization has created in Nigeria. They maintained that this system has attained a hundred appointments by meritocracy in all tiers of government and encourages incompetence in our society.

In addition, actual achievements and key highlights were espoused during this session, and several instances of countries with a system of citizenship and the benefits that this has provided to them especially by giving even foreigners a seat at the table of influence, also recalling how some of these practices may be inculcated in our present Nigerian scenario.

In spite of these, there are some lessons to learn, which is a Nigerian system that strengthens indigenization is an impediment to National development and even the ‘Federal Character’ system may not be as helpful in practice as it looks on the surface.

Furthermore, some recommendations can be given to salvage this situation by upholding efficiency and competence, discouraging the view of Nigerians based on region, and focusing on the capacity for all positions from public office to civil service and in every area of government and society.

Well, let me brief you on how the fellowship, only a few months in, has impacted my political journey and amplified my involvement with community organizing.

For some weeks now, I have been part of a campaign to educate the original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory on things like environment, healthcare, agriculture, political participation and how to measure service delivery by elected government officials. The campaign was hosted by an organization known as AOIYEO in partnership with Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) with the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

Thanks to the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship, I have learned the true qualities of leadership. I have learned the power dynamics of leadership and how to: create my value and identity as a young leader, build strategic alliances and lead with empathy. The classes have been thorough and the facilitators awesome-inspiring. Before EPLF, I have always been involved in community organizing as an advocate for the rights of my people and contributing to the development of our people.
EPLF inspired me to institutionalize all that I have been doing for and with our communities. It is also what moved me to get more involved with other indigenous organizations as well. There is an initiative that we will be launching in the coming months, you’ll see.

In one of my outings, I spoke to young people and women from Gwagwalada and Kuje Area Councils on “The Politics of Revitalizing Indigenous Economy”. We the indigenous people of the FCT were predominantly farmers before the seat of power was moved from Lagos to Abuja. My focus, therefore, was on how we could return to the economic model that made millionaires out of our grandparents – only doing everything they did in a modern way. For instance, I said, the 2022 budget has 291 billion naira allocated to the agricultural sector so we should push our representatives to negotiate ways for our communities to get a piece of that budget either as loans or grants. Doing this, I insist, would be better than sharing wrappers, grinding machines and motorcycles to women and youths in the name of empowerment. It is my fervent belief that grinding machines and okada have never and will never take anyone out of poverty. I was also interested in knowing what steps the communities have taken to help themselves, as most of our representatives have been performing below expectations.

In summary, I suggested ways that the youths and women could form trade clusters and access funding to own common facilities. I finally encouraged them to approach their elected officials with fresh ideas and be gladly available to execute those ideas if called upon. Other guests spoke about other things.

In another outing, I spoke to the youths and women of Kwali and Abaji Area Councils on “Youths and Women Intervention in Politics”.

In all my interactions, I encouraged everyone to vote and hold their representatives accountable from the Senator down to their councillors. I equally encouraged them to do more work in their communities. Then I shared some key lessons that I learned from the EPLF. I was a proud advocate, even prouder to tell the gathering that I am President of the 2022 cohort.

The ultimate plan is to develop a charter of demands which we’ve encouraged all the area councils to use and negotiate with politicians seeking to be (re)elected into office. I am excited about institutionalizing the work that I’ve been doing in my community.

Cheers,
Tukura John Daniel
President, EPLF 2022 Cohort