LEAP Foundation plans to support youth leadership ecosystem

LEAP Africa and BudgIT Foundation have announced the launch of the Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) 2021/22 – a new partnership to support and strengthen the youth leadership ecosystem in Nigeria.

The YLP is an initiative under the Nigeria Youth Futures Funds funded by MacArthur Foundation and Ford Foundation.

A statement by Executive Director of LEAP Africa, Femi Taiwo, stated: “Our role in youth development is creating platforms and opportunities to ensure that young people and their agencies are well supported.

ALSO, Principal Lead/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), BudgiT, Gabriel Okeowo, said: “This partnership with LEAP Africa provides a good opportunity to make this happen. We believe that the quality of leaders we have is pivotal to the strength of our human capital as well as Nigeria’s growth and economic prosperity.”

He said BudgIT, as an institution, contributed to the building of curriculum, selection of seasoned trainers and ensuring the sustainability metrics of the programme.

Besides, he said that following the just-concluded nationwide #EndSARS protests, which stemmed from the economic and social pressures the Nigerian youths suffer, YLP would equip and build the capacity of youths with the skills and knowledge required to become transformative leaders and active citizens.