In the dynamic landscape of youth empowerment and leadership development, Excellent Chukwufumnanya Okonkwo, widely known as Naya, stands out as a transformative figure. As the Founder and Executive Director of CityHills Initiatives, Naya has dedicated herself to equipping young people, especially those from underserved communities, with the tools, skills, and mindset necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Her journey, which began earnestly in 2024 and officially launched in 2025, is fueled by a profound passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of African youth.

Naya’s inspiration stems from the visible gaps in skills, mentorship, and opportunities that she observed among young Africans. Recognising the potential constrained by a lack of direction, resources, and guidance, she resolved to challenge the status quo. This vision led to the creation of CityHills Initiatives, a platform designed to redefine youth empowerment through a comprehensive approach that combines education, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and leadership training. The goal is clear: to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities and nations.

The impact of Naya’s work is evident in the lives she has touched across Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Kenya. CityHills Initiatives has evolved into a pan-African movement, organising and facilitating programs that provide young people with employability skills, leadership training, and entrepreneurial knowledge. These initiatives address critical issues such as unemployment, lack of confidence, and underdeveloped leadership capacity, empowering hundreds of youths to discover their purpose, develop essential skills, and make significant contributions. To date, CityHills Initiatives has organised and facilitated over five programs across Africa, reaching more than 2,000 young people through youth empowerment trainings, personal development workshops, school outreach programs, and tech skills bootcamps. Each program is thoughtfully designed to equip young people with practical skills, mentorship, entrepreneurial knowledge, and leadership capabilities, ensuring they are prepared to thrive in education, careers, and business ventures.

Naya’s background and expertise further enhance her impact. With a Master’s degree in Managing Innovation and Information Technology from the University of Salford, she bridges digital innovation with human capital development. She champions the belief that leadership in tech extends beyond coding, emphasising strategic thinking, communication, innovation, and problem-solving. This holistic approach ensures that young people are not only technologically proficient but also equipped with the soft skills necessary to excel in any field. Her recent accolades include the expansion of CityHills Initiatives’ youth empowerment programs from Nigeria to Ghana, Tanzania, and Kenya within three months of the official launch, successful school outreaches in Kenya and Nigeria impacting hundreds of young people, and recognition on “The Seen Woman” for leadership, empowerment, and community impact.

Looking ahead, Naya has ambitious plans to scale CityHills Initiatives to more African countries, bringing empowerment to thousands more youths. She is also launching a structured mentorship and leadership academy for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Additionally, Naya is introducing a game-changing new project that will bridge critical gaps in youth development across Africa, challenging conventions and sparking curiosity about the future of empowerment. Expanding her personal brand as an Empowerment Coach, she plans to author transformative books, host high-impact seminars, and collaborate with global partners to redefine leadership and opportunity for African youth. Through her unwavering dedication and innovative approach, Excellent Okonkwo continues to inspire and empower the next generation of African leaders, ensuring they are well-equipped to shape a brighter future for their communities and beyond.