The youth bulge has become a major concern across the world with youth population rising significantly in several countries. Statistics reveal that approximately half of the population of African countries is made up of youth. With a youth population of 43.9%1, Nigeria has the 17thhighest youth population out of 229 countries in the world. These figures pose interesting discussions for world leaders and international communities on how the energy, creativity and vitality of this huge human resource can be channeled to strengthen economies and positively transform their countries. As observed in Africa, youth have increased participation in national issues and are adding values to lives through social development projects. Likewise in Nigeria, there are determined young people leading change efforts and positively transforming and improving the lives of people in their communities despite its daunting challenges.
Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability and Professionalism (LEAP) Africa a nonprofit organization that is committed to developing dynamic, innovative and principled African leaders, launched the Annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards in 2004. The Annual Awards is LEAP’s attempt to reward the commitment and passion of these innovative and dynamic young people and also inspire other youth to aspire and serve as change agents in their local communities.
Since inception, the Awards has celebrated and supported 65 young innovative Nigerians aged 18-30 years who are improving the livelihood of several ordinary citizens through community development initiatives.
At the 9th Annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards, LEAP will recognize efforts of the beneficiaries of its Leadership, Ethics and Civics (LEC) Programme. The LEC programme has equipped 14, 000 students in select public schools in five states with the skills and tools that they require to cope with life challenges and serve as change agents in their local communities. Community development projects are diverse and relevant to the socio-economic needs of a particular local government or their immediate environment.
From providing safe portable water serving many neighborhoods to creating awareness and working to achieve some of the United Nations millennium development goals, the students utilize their newly acquired knowledge and skills from the LEC Programme. In 2012, 50 social change projects were implemented by the LEC students in Anambra, Lagos and Ogun States benefitting thousands of individuals.
This year, LEAP will celebrate outstanding secondary schools and social change projects in Anambra, Lagos, Ogun States and Annual Awards recipient.
The 9th Annual Awards will be more than an event to celebrate the youth, it will feature LEAP’s impact through its work in Nigeria and Africa. In May 2012, LEAP marked a decade of its leadership development and would specially celebrate its 10th Anniversary at this event.
Details of the events are as follows:
Theme: Youth Bulge: Ride the Tide.
Date: Thursday the 15th of November, 2012
Venue: The Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan Lagos
Time: 4pm prompt
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