LEAP AFRICA ANNOUNCES EMERGING SOCIAL CHANGEMAKERS
Press Release
Lagos, October 24, 2014 - LEAP (Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability and Professionalism) Africa, a leading nonprofit organisation in Nigeria will announce Social Innovators finalists at the Social Innovators Programme and Awards ( SIPA) in Lagos on November 13, 2014.
Globally, young people are helping to drive national competitiveness, economic growth, and achievement of social development goals. In 2013, LEAP identified twenty young Nigerian changemakers who have distinguished themselves by proactively filling the gaps observed in their communities to participate in its inaugural fellowship, the Social Innovators Programme, a programme designed by LEAP Africa in partnership with YouthActionNet® launched in the same year.
Through the SIP, LEAP is promoting youth-led social entrepreneurship by supporting these innovators with trainings and award to enhance delivery, maximize the impact and sustainability of Fellows initiatives with each project currently benefitting hundreds of families in several communities in Nigeria.
According to Iyadunni Olubode, Executive Director, LEAP Africa, ‘The SIP Fellows are faces of social change in Nigeria, a crop of emerging social entrepreneurs challenging the present status quo to advance our communities. The SIPA is bringing together individuals and organizations from six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and hosting them in Lagos to celebrate diversity, creativity and excellence of these young changemakers shaping our society.’
LEAP Fellows initiatives cuts across all sectors such as agriculture, health, education, business and economic development and technology. Their initiatives and impact have been further enhanced through the programme where LEAP’s partners worked with the SIP Fellows with a focus on developing these change agents, equipping them to lead and creating sustainable initiatives. Ten out of these Fellows will be announced as finalists to receive Social Innovators Awards for their outstanding contributions at the Social Innovators Programme and Awards, 2014. LEAP will also be inducting emerging social entrepreneurs into the new fellowship programme year.
Speaking at the event is Mr. Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa. Okosi is a tireless supporter of initiatives that motivate, empower and educate Africa’s youth - driving force behind pro-social campaigns that have impacted the social and cultural landscape of urban Africa.
The SIPA in its second edition continues to inspire larger communities of youth in Nigeria and beyond.
About LEAP Africa
Established in 2002, Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability and Professionalism (LEAP) Africa, a nonprofit organisation committed to developing dynamic, innovative and principled African leaders, has dedicated its efforts to working with visionary youth, business owners and social entrepreneurs. Over the years, LEAP has inspired and equipped its beneficiaries to lead ethically while implementing positive change projects that transform their communities and organizations, thereby sustaining livelihoods and contributing to national development.
About the Social Innovators Programme (SIP) and Awards
Designed in partnership with the International Youth Foundation, an international youth development organisation with programmes in over 80 countries around the world, the Social Innovators Programme (SIP) joins the YouthActionNet®, 16 national/regional leadership institutes working with youth in social enterprise across the world, to strengthen, support and celebrate the role of young people in leading positive change in their communities. The SIP and Awards is an offshoot of LEAP’s Annual Youth Leadership Award (ANYLA), which since 2004 has recognised and supported 65 change makers. The SIP is a one-year fellowship and also provides a platform for these young people to acquire skills and deliver even greater impact through exposure to LEAP’s youth leadership curriculum. It also provides an opportunity for
them to join a global network of young people with similar initiatives on YouthActionNet®’s Global Fellowship Programme.
Media Contact
Kehinde Ayeni
(+234) 01 2706541/2
info@leapafrica.org
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