Nigerian Youths Tasked On Nation Building

Nigerian youths have been asked to conceive and implement programs that would build their capacity in addressing their society’s development challenges.

Jeffrey Hawkins, United States, US Consul General made the call on June 6, when he hosted some youths under the aegis of Carrington Youth Fellowship Alumni Network, CYFAN, in Lagos.

CYFAN is an association of young leaders who previously participated in the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative, CYFI, a year-long program in which outstanding young Nigerians are selected as fellows and grouped into teams to design and implement a project with social impact.

CYFI, a program named after former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, is a dynamic youth-based initiative launched in 2011. The program brings Nigerian youths together with a purpose to design and implement projects that have a positive impact on the Nigerian society.

“CYFI exemplifies the way in which the United States and Nigeria fit together. I have no doubt that the alumni network’s energy and enthusiasm will allow the program to continue its success,” Hawkins said in his remarks at the reception.

Also speaking at the event Rhoda Williams, CYFAN President explained her future plans for the organization. “We have pulled our collective energy into the Alumni Network to create a platform where young Nigerians can access support and build their capacity in addressing society’s development challenges,” Williams said.