Akure, Nigeria
Eighteen youth leaders have graduated from a Social Accountability Fellowship (SAF) and have pledged to expand youth participation in governance in Ondo State.
SAF, in an initiative of PROMAD Infotech Foundation, held its closeout event in Akure on Tuesday to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day.
Daisi Omokungbe, executive director of PROMAD, represented by the organisation’s programmes officer, Emmanuel Sani, stated that the initiative was designed to inform, enlighten, and equip young people with the skills and tools necessary to strengthen transparency and promote good governance.
He said that the fellowship in Ondo State was the second since its inception after the maiden edition in Nasarawa State, which was conceived following research which revealed low youth participation in governance and a significant disconnect between young citizens and state institutions.
Sani explained that a public call was made, and 77 applications from 59 males, 18 females, and two persons with disabilities were received. 18 fellows were selected.
He disclosed that twelve facilitators who are experts in their various fields took the participants through courses on gender mainstreaming, gender equality, project monitoring, civic technology, civic data and artificial intelligence, as well as storytelling, amongst others.
Speaking on their participation, he added that the fellowship recorded a 53 per cent participation rate and prioritised practical learning over theoretical sessions.
“The SAF has shown that equipping young citizens with the right knowledge, tools, and networks strengthens transparency. We recommend expanding local stakeholders’ involvement, building a fellowship alumni support network, and introducing a fellowship impact grant,” he said.
Addressing the gender imbalance in the selection, Sani noted that the low turnout of female applicants and persons with disabilities reflected a wider challenge of engagement in governance processes. “We deliberately included modules on gender equality and social inclusion to empower fellows to reach out to women and PWDs in their communities,” he added.
The guest of honour at the event, the speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, who was represented by his deputy, Ololade Gbegudu, said the House was happy about the initiative.
He announced that the House plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with PROMAD to strengthen collaboration.
He explained that the House was discussing with PROMAD to increase the number of fellows from 18 to 26 so that each constituency in the state could be represented.
“This is a first-of-its-kind initiative, and the House has adopted it. I urge the fellows to remain steadfast and committed to securing a better future for our state,” he said.
Segun Omoyofunmi, commissioner for youth and sports development, represented by Cosmas Adewebi, told the youth leaders to use their new knowledge effectively.
“You are now empowered to chart a path that will shape our future. Remain committed, as your creativity, strength, and effort will always be celebrated,” he said.
Also speaking, a board member of PROMAD, who chaired the event, Banjo Ayenakin, lauded the programme for connecting stakeholders and promoting merit in governance. He urged the state government to sustain initiatives that encourage accountability.
The event also featured a panel session where Tomide Akinribido, senior special assistant to the governor on ICT and Gbenga Adene, an architect, encouraged the fellows to deploy their knowledge from the fellowship to shape policies and hold leaders to account.
One of the fellows, Ms Ablaziz Medinat from Akure North, said she had been transformed through the fellowship.
“I have benefited a lot from this programme. This kind of initiative should come more often so youths can learn, socialise, and gain more exposure,” she said.
