YIAGA Africa Champions Emerging Changemakers Across West Africa

Beneath the fluorescent lights of a conference centre in Abuja, a diverse assembly of West Africa’s young visionaries gathered, determined not simply to talk change—but to make it happen.

Building Next-Gen Change Agents: Inside YIAGA Africa’s Community Organising School

This landmark gathering marked the 10th edition of the Community Organising School, an annual forum pioneered by YIAGA Africa. Since 2013, YIAGA Africa has been instrumental in equipping over 400 young people with the skills and tools to drive civic engagement, advocate for reform, and spark lasting social innovation across the continent.

Shifting From Words to Action: The NOWAHALAZONE Philosophy

At the heart of this initiative is a simple but bold philosophy: NOWAHALAZONE. As explained by Cynthia Mbamalu, YIAGA Africa’s Director of Programmes, the agenda isn’t about passive learning—it’s about taking decisive action in the real world.

“NOWAHALAZONE is about doing. Our expectation is that these participants, when they return home, take up leadership on crucial issues—be it climate change, public health, inclusive governance, or social justice. They are meant to catalyse movements around problems that matter most to them,” Mbamalu affirmed in an interview with Pulse Nigeria.

A group of young leaders and civic activists seated in a training hall at YIAGA Africa’s Community Organising School in Abuja, engaging in discussions on leadership, governance, and community change. [X, formerly Twitter/YIAGA Africa] — A group of young leaders and civic activists seated in a training hall at YIAGA Africa’s Community Organising School in Abuja, engaging in discussions on NOWAHALAZONE, governance, and community change. [X, formerly Twitter/YIAGA Africa]

From Hundreds to Dozens: Who Gets In?

This year’s cohort was carefully chosen from a pool of almost 800 applicants representing multiple West African nations. Selections depended not only on participants’ aspirations, but also on demonstrated commitment to grassroots work—proof that these future leaders are already pushing for change in their communities.

Alumni: Redefining Success Across Africa

YIAGA Africa’s training is already producing ripples across borders. From Nigeria to The Gambia to Cameroon, alumni have ascended to influential positions, earned international recognition, and used their platforms to advocate for core issues. Standouts include Maryam Bukar Hassan, who after attending the programme in 2017, was recently celebrated at the United Nations for her growing impact.

Training in Real-World Courage, Not Just Tactics

Perhaps the most striking aspect of this year’s school was its candour about the challenges of championing NOWAHALAZONE. The experience wasn’t sugarcoated. Faculty and mentors equipped participants to withstand setbacks and adversity—because leading change is rarely straightforward.

“There’s no absolute guarantee your efforts will pay off. You may be met with resistance, threats, or outright failure. But a real leader takes the shot, even with no certainty of victory,” Mbamalu noted.

Personal Journeys: Training the Next Vanguard

For participants like Ibrahim Serayjah from Sierra Leone, the four-day intensive provided more than theoretical strategies—it gave concrete tools for the political path ahead.

“I want to lead my people one day,” Serayjah shared, “and now I feel equipped with the knowledge to do just that.”

Meanwhile, Nigerian lawyer and mental health advocate Rosemary Ochiwu viewed the programme as a crucial turning point for her activism.

“To me, NOWAHALAZONE means enabling others to act—even without certainty or clarity. This experience is reshaping how I mobilise people for my cause,” she remarked, reflecting on her deeper understanding of movement-building in uncertain times.

Addressing Nigeria’s Leadership Gap

Ibrahim Faruk, Programme Coordinator, underscored the broader significance of this training. According to him, the ethos behind NOWAHALAZONE is exactly what Nigerian—and broader West African—political culture needs right now.

“NOWAHALAZONE isn’t just about status or titles. It’s about stepping up to solve problems—regardless of official power or position,” Faruk explained, reinforcing that leadership starts with personal responsibility, not institutional recognition.

Looking Ahead: The Ripple Effect of a New Activist Network

As the session wrapped up, the enthusiasm in the room was palpable. These emerging leaders weren’t simply handed certificates—they left with a shared vision and a robust new network. Their mission: to ignite transformative shifts in their own communities, understanding that “NOWAHALAZONE” is more than a slogan—it’s a call to purposeful, grassroots action.

Why Does This Matter for Nigeria, West Africa, and Beyond?

Building sustainable change: By focusing on tangible community projects, these young leaders are shaping the next wave of civic engagement.
Inspiration for the continent: As alumni take their skills home, their achievements set a standard for others and challenge local norms.
Global attention: International recognition of contributors demonstrates Africa’s growing influence in spaces like the United Nations and beyond.

Challenges and Opportunities

Resistance and adversity: Change-makers often face entrenched systems, limited resources, and even personal hostility. The training’s honest focus on risk-preparedness stands out.
Growing cross-border impact: By including participants from Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, and Nigeria, YIAGA Africa is helping build a region-wide culture of collaborative problem-solving.
Room for more support: Expanding mentorship, funding, and follow-up could help sustain alumni projects once trainees return home.

What’s Next for Nigeria’s Young Leaders?

With every training session, a new generation of Nigerians and West Africans is stepping up to tackle some of the region’s toughest social problems. Will these new networks and skills translate into broader changes at the national or continental level? That is the challenge—and the promise—of today’s community organisers.

What do you think about this evolving movement of young African leaders making their mark? How can more Nigerian and West African communities tap into transformative initiatives like the Community Organising School?

Share your thoughts or experiences! Have you been part of a grassroots movement, or do you know a young leader changing your community? Drop a comment below, or send us your story—we’d love to hear from you.

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