56 Nigerians selected for 2021 Mandela Washington Fellowship

Etim Ekpimah

The United States Mission Nigeria has announced the names of the 56 young Nigerians who completed the virtual institute for the 2021 Mandela Washington Fellowship.

The fellowship launched in 2014, for Young African Leaders is the flagship programme of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and embodies the US commitment to invest in the future of Africa.

“The United States Mission Nigeria is pleased to announce the names of the 56 young Nigerians who completed the virtual institute for the 2021 Mandela Washington Fellowship.

“Launched in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and embodies the US commitment to invest in the future of Africa,” a statement from the US Department of State has said.

According to the statement, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and with the health, safety, and well-being of Fellows and Partners as the highest priority, the US Department of State planned a virtual Fellowship for 2021.

It said while remaining in their home countries, the fellows participated in virtual Leadership Institutes between June 21 and July 30, which included leadership training, mentoring, and professional development.

In his remarks at the pre fellowship orientation Public Affairs Officer Aruna Amirthanayagam said: “The Mandela Washington fellowship continues to be an effective tool of leadership and transformation in Nigeria.

“Through the platform provided by fellowship, young Nigerians have been able to successfully advocate for the enactment of the disability rights law, campaign for peaceful and credible elections (#NaijaVotes) and create employment in various communities.”

The statement added that since 2014, nearly 4,400 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

“Fellows who successfully completed the Leadership Institute will participate in a virtual Summit.  Additionally, up to 100 competitively selected Fellows will virtually engage in professional development with U.S. organizations in the public, private, or non-profit sector.

“Fellows can participate in Alumni Programming after their Fellowships to further build their professional skills and networks,” the statement added.