Nigerian wins Mandela Fellowship

From FRED ITUA, Abuja
A former Special Assistant on Financial Strategy to former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, Mr. Obiefule Iroabueke, has been selected for the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship programme for 2016.
Mr. Iroabueke, who is also the Assistant General Manager, Business Development and Investment, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), was selected from the 10,000 Nigerians that applied for the fellowship.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the President’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and a key component of President Barrack Obama’s commitment to invest in the future of Africa.
The White House developed the initiative in recognition of the critical and increasing role that young Africans are playing in strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa.
Mr. Iroabueke, in a statement, said that the fellowship would afford him the opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s economy.
He said: “The Mandela Washington Fellowship is an opportunity for youths to harness their ideas towards improving socio-economic development in Africa, strengthening of democratic institutions as well as enhancing of peace and security in Africa.
“My goal is to learn as much as possible, improve my skills and develop the competencies I need to produce outstanding results in my endeavours; which include improving youth participation in governance as well as improving women and youth employment and economic empowerment.
“I also hope to gain useful network that can be translated effectively to development in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”