Mandela Washington Fellowship Driving Changes at Grassroots – MWFAAN President

Mandela Washington Fellowship Driving Changes at Grassroots – MWFAAN President

The President of Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN), Farida Yahya, said the community has had profound impact in driving changes at grassroots level not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.

She stated that association’s core purpose and essence is rooted in commitment to principles of service.

Yahya said this during her address at the Pan-African Legacy Conference organised to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

“Today, we celebrate a decade of service, resilience, and a brighter future as we commemorate the Mandela Washington Fellowship’s 10-year milestone. This anniversary is a moment of profound gratitude for the opportunities and support extended to Nigeria and Africa by the United States.

The essence of our association lies in its unwavering commitment to the principles of service. Over the past decade, our alumni have championed these values by dedicating their time, energy, and resources to uplifting their communities and influencing national policies. The impact has been tangible, driving change from grassroots initiatives to national reforms,” she said.

Themed “Shaping Africa’s Future through the AfCFTA and Agenda 2063”, the conference which took place on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of the presidential villa, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja seeked to answer questions of youths uncertainty about how to leverage such initiatives.

Speaking further she added, “We recognize the challenges young people face, especially in navigating opportunities within frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Many remain uncertain about how to take action or where to begin.

This conference marks the start of meaningful conversations and practical solutions to empower the youth. Together, we can foster sustainable development, promote social cohesion, and inspire excellence across generations.

“By leveraging our networks, skills, and resources, we can ensure the Mandela Washington Fellowship leaves a lasting legacy through nurturing young talent, provision of mentorship opportunities and fostering a culture of innovation”.

Richard Mills, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, encouraged the association to continue building capacity and network for all people of the Africa.

Mills, represented by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United States of America, David Greene, commended the Vice President Shettima for his support towards successful hosting of the event while stating how cultural exchange between both nations have provided employment opportunities.

“Our collaboration and cultural exchange program over the past decade has facilitated the emergence of employment and promotion of thousands of young Africans, leading to such economic growth,” he said.

Other dignitaries present at the event include the Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, among others.