Leap Africa set to recognise emerging young entrepreneurs

Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability and Professionalism Africa (LEAP), a leading non-profit organisation in Nigeria, will on November 13, 2014 announce Social Innovators finalists at the Social Innovators Programme and Awards (SIPA) in Lagos.

Globally, young people are helping to drive national competitiveness, economic growth, and achievement of social development goals. In 2013, LEAP identified 20 young Nigerian change makers 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 Youth ActionNet 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, maximise the impact and sustainability of their initiatives with each project currently benefiting 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 organisations from six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and hosting them in Lagos to celebrate diversity, creativity and excellence of these young change-makers 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.

Alex Okosi, senior vice president & managing director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa will be speaking at the event.

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.

KELECHI EWUZIE