The 2025 Green Academy Fellowship Program has officially begun in Abuja, marking another significant step in nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of social impact leaders.
This annual initiative, organized by the Heinrich Böll Foundation via the Nigeria Green Academy, focuses on building the capacity of activists, advocates, journalists, and changemakers across the country.
The program aims to equip participants with essential skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities to boost their influence and effectiveness in driving societal change.
This year’s fellowship has brought together 24 selected participants from various geopolitical zones throughout Nigeria.
These fellows represent a wide array of sectors, including media, civic engagement, and grassroots activism.
Such diversity not only enriches the learning experience but also fosters cross-sector collaboration essential for addressing the complex challenges facing Nigerian society today.
The opening session was both a reflective and interactive exercise, led by Mr. Olumide Olaniyan. Titled “Rivers of Life,” the session invited participants to share their personal narratives and core values.
Many recounted the experiences that ignited their passion for advocacy, revealing a shared commitment to social justice and sustainable change. This exercise set a tone of openness and mutual respect for the days of learning ahead.
Another highlight of the opening day was a keynote address by Mr. Jide Ojo, a noted public analyst. His talk, “The State of the Nation: The Role of Change Makers,” shed light on the critical importance of involving youth in governance.
Mr. Ojo argued that Nigeria’s democratic processes remain largely dominated by older generations, underscoring the urgent need for more young voices to participate in shaping the country’s future.
The program spans a full week, featuring a series of thematic sessions designed to inspire and equip the fellows with practical tools for promoting sustainable governance and social transformation.
These sessions will cover a broad range of topics, including policy advocacy, environmental sustainability, human rights, and civic participation.
Beyond the classroom, the Green Academy encourages robust networking among participants and mentors.
This collaborative environment is intended to build a strong community of changemakers who can support one another long after the program concludes.
Alumni of the Green Academy often credit the fellowship with expanding their perspective and amplifying their impact in their respective fields.
As Nigeria continues to confront political, social, and environmental challenges, initiatives like the Green Academy play a vital role in cultivating leaders who are ready and capable of ushering in meaningful change.
The 2025 program promises to build on the successes of previous years and contribute significantly to the advancement of youth-led advocacy across the nation.