Jonathan Oluwatosin Onipe
Special Duties, 2025
Jonathan Oluwatosin Onipe, fondly known as Ọmọ-Àrà (The Cheerful Poet), is a Writer, Performance Poet, Culture Architect, and Creative Economy Professional from Nigeria. He uses art as a tool for social transformation, healing, and cultural preservation. He is the founder of Absolute Poetry, an organization that promotes poetry and the arts as a tool for social change, and empowers poets through mentorship, workshops, events, and performances. He leads a team in curating NIPCON (Nigeria International Poetry Convention), WAFFCON (Women in Arts, Film, and Fashion Convention), Open Mic Gwagwalada, and TEDxGwagwalada, platforms that connect poets, artists, creative professionals, and social developers, globally.
Otutubuike Chukwudi
Otutubuike Chukwudi, fondly known as Oti, is a governance enthusiast and emerging diplomacy voice committed to strengthening institutions, amplifying youth participation, and advancing evidence-driven public policy across Africa. His work centres on promoting inclusive systems, nurturing accountable leadership, and supporting community engagement that informs national decision-making.
With a background in psychology, policy research, and strategic communication, Oti has contributed to initiatives focused on youth development, civic strengthening, and social impact. He has participated in policy dialogues, community consultations, and leadership development efforts that empower young people to engage constructively in governance and shape sustainable solutions.
Recognized as one of Abia’s Top 30 Under 35 and a pioneer participant in the ALIWA Youth Leadership Programme, Oti consistently advocates for responsible leadership and the importance of cross-sector collaboration in nation-building. He is passionate about transitions in governance, peacebuilding, and strengthening Africa’s pathway toward effective development diplomacy.
He holds an M.Sc. in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, remaining focused on contributing to the next generation of leaders advancing stability, reform, and people-centered governance.
Blessing Ekwere
Project Team Lead 2026
Blessing Ekwere is a social entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and the Founder and CEO of Looped Innovation. With over seven years of experience in waste management and recycling, she is passionate about building circular solutions that reduce plastic pollution while creating economic opportunities for communities. Blessing previously served as Head of Operations at Ecobarter, where she led community recycling programs, environmental awareness campaigns, and grassroots waste management initiatives that mobilized communities to adopt sustainable waste practices. Through Looped Innovation, she develops eco-friendly packaging alternatives made from recycled paper and Agricultural waste, helping businesses transition away from single-use plastics. Since its inception, the company has produced over 20,000 sustainable packaging products, eliminating the plastic equivalent from the environment. Blessing is also actively involved in sustainability advocacy and community development. She serves as the Abuja Community Manager for SustyVibes. In 2025, she was selected as a participant in OMVY Cohort 8 Youth Activists Programme and currently serves as the Project Team Lead of the 2025 OMVY Alumni Network, supporting collaboration and impact among young changemakers. She is committed to advancing a circular economy in Africa and empowering communities through innovative waste-to-value solutions.
Nzubechukwu Christian Ike
From making history as the first female Student Union President at her university at just 21 , to coordinating high-stakes International Election Observation missions, Amina Yahaya is a powerhouse for democratic change. With over a decade of experience across Nigeria, Sudan, and Zimbabwe, Amina has become a leading voice in governance, political inclusion, advocacy and peace-building.
To date, she has directly trained over 3,000 women and youth from diverse political parties, equipping them with the advocacy skills needed to take their seat at the table. Whether she is managing International Election Observation Missions alongside former world leaders or spearheading off-cycle election programs, her focus remains the same; making governance accessible to all.
Beyond her professional roles with organizations like IRI and IFES, Amina is a dedicated mentor. As an advisor to the National Female Students Association of Nigeria, she has guided over 5,000 young women toward bridging the leadership gap in mainstream politics. A TEDx speaker and FES Open Minds Young Voices fellow of 2018, Amina Yahaya is a true inspiration for any young professional aiming to transform Africa's developmental landscape. She is an excellent trainer, facilitator and panel discussion moderator.
Jenebu B. Zakari
Communications Officer 2026
Jenebu is a dedicated social worker with over eight years of experience leading education-focused initiatives in underserved communities. She actively designs and implements community projects that expand access to learning opportunities for vulnerable children. Through her work with the Community of Sant’Egidio, she has supported scholarship programs, distributed reading materials, and helped improve learning environments for children across North-Central Nigeria. As an educator and youth mentor, Jenebu engages closely with grassroots communities to promote inclusive development and poverty alleviation through education. During her undergraduate years in Benue State, she co-created an informal school for out-of-school children in Makurdi, providing foundational learning opportunities for children excluded from formal education. She currently leads a similar initiative in Karu L.G.A of Nasarawa State, where she works with volunteers to support the education of orphans and refugee children. Her work reflects her strong belief that equal access to quality education is essential for sustainable social change. Jenebu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (Honours) and is currently pursuing the ICAN certification. She is a Fellow of the Open Minds Young Voices Program and currently serves as the Communications Officer of the Alumni Network, where she supports strategic communication and storytelling for youth-led initiatives. She combines financial expertise with development practice and aspires to support impactful initiatives in both the public and private sectors as a consultant and financial strategist.
Obia Udoka Amanda
Obia Amanda is a Nigerian medical doctor with a growing footprint in pediatric and environmental health. She earned her MBBS from the University of Abuja in 2023 and has gained clinical experience at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. Amanda co-founded Infection Free Nigeria, an NGO focused on infectious disease prevention. She has also contributed to community health through volunteer work with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN).
Career Projection
Driven by a passion for equity in child health, Amanda is working toward a career at the intersection of pediatrics, public health, and environmental advocacy. She plans to pursue an MPH in Child and Maternal Health, with the long-term goal of contributing to international efforts that protect children from disease and environmental risks. Her special interest in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and pediatric environmental health fuels her vision to design innovative, community-based solutions that empower families and reduce preventable illnesses in underserved areas.
Community Engagement
Amanda believes that real change begins at the community level. Through her NGO work and her participation in the Open Minds - Young Voices (OMYV) Programme, she is building the tools to lead impactful health advocacy and education. She is passionate about mobilizing youth, mothers, and local leaders to create healthier environments for children and is committed to using storytelling, data, and grassroots engagement to drive behavior change and policy reform.
Jennifer Stephen
I’m Jennifer Stephen, a sustainable housing policy analyst, data-driven researcher and communicator. I started my journey in international development, working with NGOs focused on social democracy, social justice, and economic development, where I learned how systems and policies shape lives.
Today, I focus on housing because housing sits at the intersection of economic development, democracy, and social justice.
I use my background in data analysis, policy research, and communication to advocate for housing reforms that are inclusive, affordable, and climate-smart.
Aminu Bako Jnr
Beyond the sentiment of sharing the same first name, Mal. Aminu Kano is my role model and inspiration. And I hold dear his principles of social justice, leadership, freedom, and democracy. As a student of life, over the years in pursuit of growth and capacity development, I have deliberately committed resources (both cash and kind) to discussions and calls to action that aim at the prosperity of my community and the nation at large.
I am actively committed to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goals 4, 5, 10, and 16. With fellowship certificates on thematic areas of Youth, Governance, Digital Rights, Education, Accountability, and Open Governance, I constantly on the thirst to learn, unlearn, and relearn.
As a changemaker and community champion, I have served in different leadership capacities. And in my humble reach to share experience and guidance, I currently mentor over 25 young girls in personal and career development. Amongst many other current leadership responsibilities, I am the Convener and Spokesperson of the Kuje Progressive Youth Forum, a youth network advocating for active youth civic engagement.
Ladidi Abdulmumin
Ladidi Abdulmumin is a governance and digital transformation advocate with experience spanning policy, youth leadership and sustainable development. She has worked as a Digitalisation Consultant under GIZ/ECOWAS, contributing to the development of toolkits that support MSMEs in adopting digital solutions for growth and competitiveness.
Ladidi served as Vice President of the Nigeria SDGs Advocate Network and currently the Regional Coordinator for the AfCFTA Youth Network, where she empowered over 5000 persons using digital tools, championing youth and women inclusion, regional integration and sustainable economic development.
With a background in Business Administration and ongoing studies in International Affairs and Diplomacy, she is passionate about bridging policy and practice through innovation, data and strategic sustainable economic development. Her work focuses on empowering young people, advancing inclusive governance and promoting Africa’s role in global development.
Umar Ahmad
"I am Hon. Faruq Dangi Ahmad, a Nigerian youth leader, policy advocate, and development practitioner from Katsina State. I currently serve as the Speaker of the Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN), where I provide strategic leadership in promoting youth participation in governance, democratic engagement, and policy advocacy across Northern Nigeria.
In addition to my legislative responsibilities, I serve as Special Adviser on Youth Matters to the Country Director of the Royal Commonwealth Society in Nigeria, and as a Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. Through these roles, I contribute to initiatives that strengthen youth inclusion in governance, policy development, and national development discourse.
My work is driven by a strong commitment to youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and sustainable community development. I actively collaborate with civil society organizations, development partners, and public institutions to design and implement programs that advance leadership development, gender inclusion, and social impact across Northern Nigeria.
I am also an entrepreneur and the founder of Dangi ICT Solution Services Limited, a company focused on telecommunications services and digital innovation.
Through my leadership and engagements, I remain committed to advancing responsible governance, empowering young people, and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic and socio economic development."
Odetayo David Mayowa
"I empower young leaders and youth-focused organizations through leadership development, project management, and community-building strategies. As the Founder & CEO of IVLead, I help youth unlock their potential and lead meaningful change.
I've led initiatives reaching thousands of youth across Nigeria, facilitated events with national recognition, and built a network of 500+ professionals. I’ve collaborated with respected leaders and served as a keynote and Master of Ceremony for numerous youth-focused events.
Whether you're a youth looking to grow, a partner seeking collaboration, or an organization aiming to scale your impact, let’s connect. Message me to explore how we can work together to create change."