LEAP AFRICA Sets To Recognize Young Innovative Nigerians

By Jennifer Ehidiamem

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli MFR Founder & CEO, LEAP Africa

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 17^th highest youth population out of 229 countries in the world. 



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.

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. 

At the 9^th 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. 

Furthermore, 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. 

Furthermore, this year's event will be taking place at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan Lagos, as its theme as  "Youth Bulge: Ride the Tide."and will coming up on Thursday, the 15^th of November, 2012.

Moreso, since its 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.