CurrentReport Blog The U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria proudly unveiled the roster of 56 outstanding young Nigerians selected for the prestigious 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship program, marking its 10th anniversary.
These exceptional individuals will embark on a transformative journey across 28 U.S. cities from June 19 to August 1, culminating in a summit in Washington D.C. where they will engage with leaders from various sectors.
In addition to the enriching summit experience, three fellows will undertake a Professional Development Experience at U.S. organizations for four weeks, further enhancing their skills and knowledge before returning to Nigeria.
Since its inception in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has been a cornerstone of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), reflecting the enduring commitment of the United States to invest in Africa’s future. This comprehensive program offers academic coursework, leadership training, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, David J. Greene, warmly welcomed the selected fellows, praising their exemplary leadership qualities and diverse achievements. He encouraged them to serve as cultural ambassadors during their time in the United States and urged them to leverage this experience to expand their impact in Nigeria.
Greene expressed gratitude to the Public Diplomacy team and the State Department for their diligent efforts in identifying and nurturing future leaders. He emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing upon the fellows’ return to their communities, underscoring the program’s ripple effect in fostering positive change.
Since its inception, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has supported 569 young Nigerian leaders through this exchange program. Looking ahead, the Mission eagerly anticipates the continued success of the Mandela Washington Fellowship and its enduring contribution to shaping Africa’s future leaders.
