Stakeholders have commended the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN), for taking the second phase of its Future Forward Mentorship Programme to the rural community of Ikwuano Ariam, Abia State.

They described the initiative as a significant investment in youth leadership and education.

Speaking at the event, Principal of Ikwuano Secondary School, Mrs. Nwangwa Rose Ezinne, expressed appreciation to the U.S. Consulate and MWFAAN for taking the mentorship programme to the rural community.

She said the initiative underscored the importance of youth development and thanked the organisers for travelling to Ikwuano to empower students through mentorship.

Ezinne explained that the programme is designed to equip secondary school students with leadership skills, career awareness and practical tools for personal development, preparing them to become responsible leaders and pursue meaningful career opportunities.

The quarterly mentorship programme attracted enthusiastic participation from students of Ikwuano Secondary School and Senior Science School.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Dr. Anthony Nzeribe Nwaubani, applauded the organisers for extending the programme beyond urban centres.

He said: “Thank you for not forgetting that we exist. Most of these engagements typically happen in city centres. But thank you for coming all the way to our community to host this mentorship programme. We really appreciate it.”

In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Primary and Basic Education, Hon. Kenechukwu Nwosu, said the initiative aligns with the state’s education development agenda.

He thanked MWFAAN and the U.S. Consulate for bringing the Future Forward Mentorship Programme to Abia State and for selecting Ikwuano as one of the host communities.

In her remarks, MWFAAN Financial Secretary and Lead Coordinator for the Abia event, Lady Irene David-Arinze, challenged the students to embrace integrity, courage and responsibility as essential qualities of future leaders.

She said: “Your country does not only need brilliant young people. Nigeria needs young people who are honest, courageous, compassionate and responsible. We need young people who will refuse to cheat, even when others are cheating.

“Young people who will protect public property rather than destroy it; young people who will speak the truth respectfully; and young people who will ask not only, ‘What can I gain?’ but also, ‘How can I contribute?”

She was supported by a delegation comprising MWFAAN Publicity Secretary James Akan, 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow Ebenezar Okafor, 2025 Fellows Daberechi Ekejiuba, Igwe Uguru and Akudo Alli, as well as 2024 Fellow Obianuju Iloanya.

The programme featured interactive masterclasses facilitated by experienced professionals, covering topics such as the future of work, leadership and confidence, career discovery, communication skills, personal development and maximising youthful potential.

The event ended with the presentation of educational merit packages to students who distinguished themselves academically.

According to the organisers, the awards were intended to recognise excellence and encourage hard work, discipline and commitment to academic success among young people.