The Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship Alumni commenced an inspiring journey in 2023, charting a course focused on public sensitization regarding contemporary national issues and elevating the fellowship’s visibility. Their initiatives, spread across a dynamic half-year plan, aimed to spark insightful discussions, disseminate valuable lessons, and fortify bonds among alumni members, all in service of fostering informed political discourse in Nigeria.
Beginning with a reflective stance, the Alumni hosted a compelling event titled “Post-Election Analysis: Lessons Learned” on July 31st, 2023. This Instagram-based session, led by Nafisa Atiku-Adejuwon, President, EPLF Alumni Association, and featuring alumni like Elvis Boniface and Baba Machina, alongside external facilitator Mr. Ibrahim Faruk, Programs Officer at YIAGA Africa, sought to distil insights and lessons from the 2023 election season.
Continuing their engagement, the Alumni convened on Twitter for “State of the Polity: Matters Arising” on August 26th, 2023. Under the coordination of Alum Joseph Effiong, the panel, including other Alumni: Grace Ibor, Nathaniel Ovabor, and external facilitator Mr. Adesina Adele, Nigerian Architect and politician, delved into recent election outcomes and probed political stability and challenges, drawing an impressive participation of 826 individuals.
Transitioning towards capacity building, the Alumni organized a significant training session titled “Capacity Building Training on Diplomacy and Negotiation for Managers and Chief Executives” on September 16th, 2023. Guided by Alum Lubem Aboh and facilitated by Mr. Amara Nwankpa, Director, Public Policy Initiatives at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation. The session on Zoom equipped attendees with indispensable skills for effective governance in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape.
In October, the Alumni returned to Twitter for another edition of “State of the Polity: Matters Arising,” partnering with the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI). This session, themed around the trust deficit in Nigeria’s economy, was coordinated by Alum Lubem Aboh and featured notable external facilitators such as Mr. Segun Sega Awonsanya and Gbenga Olorunpomi, along with notable participants included Marvellous Olusegun, Temiloluwa Oyeniyi (LMI Fellow) and Godiya Haruna (LMI Fellow), attracting 742 participants.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Alumni have plans which are aimed at facilitating knowledge exchange, networking, public engagement, and heightened visibility of the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship.
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