The Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI) of the United States (U.S.) Consulate-General in Lagos is set to induct 50 youths into its 2022-2023 cycle of the fellowship programme as part of activities to commemorate the UN International Youth Day (IYD).

The organisation, in a statement by the U.S. embassy, stated: “The CYFI programme, which only welcomed fellows in Lagos, has now expanded to Oyo and Ogun states, giving more opportunities for youths to join the U.S. government network. We are dealing with the fall-out of the recession and the global pandemic, while worrying about our safety as the security situation in the country deteriorates.”

“The project is an initiative of the U.S. consulate-general in Lagos and was launched in 2011 with the objective of bringing together Nigerian youths of “exceptional vision, skills, and experience” to design and implement projects that will have a positive impact on society through the support of the Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation, and Access Bank Plc.

President of the programme, Olusola Owonikoko, said: “Our fellows are extraordinary group of rising leaders in Nigeria who are making a positive impact in their communities. The Carrington Youth Fellowship programme is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, skills and experiences to strengthen their civic leadership capacity to lead and effect change in their communities.”

“As part of the events commemorating the International Youth Day, CYFI also inaugurated the #CarringtonYouthWeek as a volunteering platform for young Nigerians to plan and implement impact-focused activities in their local communities. With over 130 participants, the #CarringtonYouthWeek has hosted various events addressing various sustainable development goals in over 10 Nigerian states, and has reached an estimated 5,000 people.

“We are also glad to celebrate our partnership with Pelse Consulting’s Amplifer Accelerator Programme for young entrepreneurs through which CYFI alumni supported the training and mentored 40 young Nigerians in business.”

The inspiration for CYFI by former Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, was a champion of civil liberties, democracy, and closer ties between the U.S. and Nigeria. CYFI fellows are committed to putting the ideals of Walter Carrington into practice.

The goal of one-year-long professional development programme is to build the civic leadership capacity of young Nigerians through skills training, mentorship and hands-on practical experience in civic engagement. CYFI fellows are trained and mentored by experienced Nigerian and American professionals, and supported to drive high-impact engagements that promote deep learning, leadership development and systemic change in society.

A formal announcement of Fellows will be made on August 16, 2022 at the induction ceremony of the new cohort holding at the U.S. Consulate-General in Victoria Island, Lagos, to host the Consul-General, Will Stevens and Senior Special Adviser on Digital Transformation to President Buhari, Mr. Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, who will deliver a keynote address on “Nigerian Startup Bill and its implication for young entrepreneurs.”

Other speakers at the events are Omoruyi Edoigiawerie, Yewande Adewusi, Tunbosun Alake and Kelechi Oleka, a CYFI alumnus.