The Nation Newspaper

Category: Inside Africa

  • FULL LIST: African countries with highest Schengen visa rejection

    FULL LIST: African countries with highest Schengen visa rejection

    Nigeria has emerged as one of the African countries facing the highest Schengen visa rejection rates in 2024, according to recent data released by the European Commission, which highlights a growing trend of refusals.

    The European Commission reports that Nigeria recorded a rejection rate of 45.9% this year, up from 40.8% in 2023. This places Nigeria fourth in Africa and third globally, trailing only Bangladesh and Senegal.

    In total, the European Commission revealed that over 11.7 million applications for short-stay Schengen visas were submitted in 2024, marking a 13.6% increase compared to 2023.

    The Schengen Zone, consisting of 29 countries including major European nations like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, allows free travel across its borders. However, for many Africans, obtaining a Schengen visa has become increasingly difficult, with several countries facing particularly high rejection rates.

    Here are the top 10 African countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates in 2024:

    1. Comoros – 62.8%

    Comoros tops the list with a staggering 62.8% rejection rate, making it the African country with the most Schengen visa denials this year.

    2. Guinea-Bissau – 47.0%

    Applicants from Guinea-Bissau also faced significant challenges, with nearly half of their visa applications rejected.

    3. Senegal – 46.8%

    Senegal recorded the third-highest refusal rate in Africa, indicating ongoing visa difficulties for its citizens.

    4. Nigeria – 45.9%

    With nearly one in two Nigerian applications denied, the country’s increasing rejection rate signals either tighter scrutiny or documentation issues.

    5. Ghana – 45.5%

    Ghanaian applicants were similarly affected, facing a rejection rate close to Nigeria’s.

    6. Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) – 43.0%

    Visa denials surged in Congo-Brazzaville, reflecting a deteriorating approval environment.

    Read Also: 11 things Nigerians should note when applying for a five-year Schengen visa

    7. Mali – 42.9%

    Mali remains close behind, hovering around the 43% mark and continuing to face visa processing difficulties.

    8. Guinea – 41.1%

    Over 4 in 10 applications from Guinea were denied, keeping the country high on the rejection list.

    9. Burundi – 40.0%

    Burundi registered a flat 40% rejection rate, placing it among the African countries with the highest refusals.

    10. Ethiopia – 36.1%

    Though slightly lower than others, Ethiopia’s 36.1% refusal rate still ranks it in the top 10 most affected African nations.

  • Five Africa’s loudest countries in 2025

    Five Africa’s loudest countries in 2025

    Africa is a continent full of life, colour, and energy. When people talk about the “loudest countries” in Africa, they don’t just mean noise from cars or crowds. The word “loud” here can also describe a country’s culture, music, and influence in politics.

    In some places, cities are full of honking horns, busy markets, and constant activity. In others, it’s the music, festivals, and strong public voices that make them stand out. Some countries are also “loud” because of how they speak up in world politics and lead in African affairs.

    Here are five loud African countries that are known for being loud in sound, culture, and leadership.

    1. Nigeria: Home to Lagos, one of the most densely populated and noisy cities in Africa. Nigeria is also culturally “loud” with its booming music industry (Afrobeats), vibrant film scene (Nollywood), and highly expressive population.

    2. Egypt: Cairo is famous for its chaotic traffic, busy streets, and 24/7 city life. Egypt also maintains a strong voice in regional and global politics.

    3. South Africa: Cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town are known for their nightlife and busy urban centers. South Africa also has a strong media presence and political influence in the region.

    Read Also: Africa must integrate air power to tackle security threats — Uzodimma

    4. Kenya: Nairobi is a bustling hub of economic and social activity with high noise levels from traffic and markets. Kenya is also culturally vibrant, especially in music and art.

    5. Ghana: Accra, the capital, is known for its lively streets, festivals, and music scenes. Ghana is increasingly influential culturally across the continent.

  • OTUWA seeks end to medical tourism by elites

    OTUWA seeks end to medical tourism by elites

    The Organisation of Trade Union Organisations of West Africa (OTUWA) has called for an end to medical tourism by the political and economic elites in society.

    OTUWA said it would launch a regional campaign against political medical tourism with the slogan “Our Leaders Must Use Our Hospitals.”

    Executive Secretary of the Organisation of Trade Unions of West Africa (OTUWA), Comrade John Odah drew attention to the deepening crisis posed by the unchecked rise of medical tourism in West Africa.

    He spoke at a research dissemination workshop organised by OTUWA with support from the Solidarity Center.

    The meeting which brought together the over 30 trade union leaders and activists from the West Africa region noted how medical tourism disproportionately benefits elites while diverting resources that could strengthen local health systems, while health workers are demoralized by poor investment in domestic healthcare, leading to brain drain.

    The trade unions were reminded of their critical roles in demanding public investment in health, transparency, and accountability and pledged to embark on the campaign.

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    Odah said that medical tourism, as currently practiced, was not merely a symptom of failing health systems, but a direct contributor to the structural poverty and inequality that undermined our societies.

    He stated: “Medical tourism, as currently practiced, is not merely a symptom of failing health systems, it is a direct contributor to the structural poverty and inequality that undermine our societies. When public officials and elites routinely bypass domestic health facilities in favour of treatment abroad, they abandon their responsibility to invest in and improve the healthcare services that ordinary citizens depend upon.

    “This two-tiered system of health access is unjust and dangerous. It entrenches inequality by ensuring that quality care remains a privilege for the few while the majority struggle with underfunded, overstretched local hospitals. In essence, it creates a healthcare apartheid, one that contradicts the principles of social justice and equal opportunity that we, as trade unions, uphold.

    “Moreover, the unchecked diversion of public resources, whether financial, administrative, or human capital, toward private overseas medical travel erodes trust in democratic governance. It signals a lack of accountability and widens the gap between elected leaders and the people they serve. Democracy cannot thrive when leaders do not rely on the same public services as their constituents.

    “We must challenge the culture that normalises medical tourism among political and economic elites. OTUWA calls for immediate reforms that lead to transparent health budgeting and public investment in domestic healthcare infrastructure, Regulation and reporting of government-funded overseas medical travel, Inclusive health policies that prioritize access and dignity for all citizens.

    “Healthcare is not a commodity reserved for the wealthy alone.It is a fundamental human right. If we are to combat poverty, reduce inequality, and preserve democracy in West Africa, we must end the double standard in healthcare and demand systems that serve the many, not just the few.”

    The Solidarity Center Country Programme Director for West Africa, Deddeh Tulay, through the Senior Programme Officer Gabin Ralph, pledged the continuous support of the Center to trade union campaigns on health and democracy of the region.

  • Africa’s AI pioneer unveils tools toy transform PR in Africa

    Africa’s AI pioneer unveils tools toy transform PR in Africa

    Africa’s leading voice in AI-driven communications, Celestine Achi, is set to launch a groundbreaking suite of tools on May 21, 2025, aimed at redefining public relations strategy across the continent and globally.

    At the heart of the launch is his new book, AI-Powered PR: The Essential Guide for Communications Leaders to Master Artificial Intelligence—a strategic manual combining case studies, tools, and actionable prompts to guide professionals through AI integration in content creation, media intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and sentiment analysis.

    Complementing the book is AI-Powered PR: The Interactive Experience, a first-of-its-kind gamified platform where users step into the role of a digital PR strategist, navigating high-stakes scenarios in crisis management, campaign design, and audience analytics.

    Achi is also unveiling two key frameworks designed to accelerate AI adoption in communications including AI-PR Maturity Model and TABS-D Framework.

    According to Achi, the AI-PR Maturity Model is a diagnostic tool that helps organizations assess their AI readiness, benchmark against industry standards, and create tailored advancement plans.

    While the TABS-D Framework is a five-phase methodology: Train, Adapt, Build, Ship, Deploy. The roadmap takes organizations from foundational AI literacy to full-scale implementation, ensuring practical, ethical, and performance-driven use of AI in PR.

    Already applied by Nigeria’s National Orientation Agency, the TABS-D™ model has driven the development of AI-powered citizen engagement systems and scenario-mapping dashboards. Pan-African NGOs credit the AI-PR Maturity Model™ with helping secure new grants by demonstrating measurable steps toward communications excellence.

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    Achi’s larger goal is to train 100,000 African communicators in AI leadership by 2030, through books, certification programs, podcasts, and a growing digital learning community.

    “Africa doesn’t need to catch up—we need to lead,” Achi said. “This is about equipping a generation to shape narratives, own data, and deploy technology responsibly.”

    Endorsed by Dr. Ike Neliaku, FNIPR, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the book is seen as a vital contribution to the future of the profession.

    AI-Powered PR (Print): selar.com/aipoweredprprint

    AI-Powered PR (Digital): selar.com/aipoweredpr

    Official Website: www.aipoweredpr.com

    With this launch, Celestine Achi isn’t just releasing a book—he’s laying the foundation for Africa’s leadership in the AI-powered future of global communications.

  • Paradigm Initiative signs MoU with Senegal’s CDP on data protection

    Paradigm Initiative signs MoU with Senegal’s CDP on data protection

    Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading African digital rights and inclusion organisation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Senegal’s Commission de Protection des Données Personnelles (CDP) to advance data protection and digital inclusion in the West African nation.

    The agreement is aimed at fostering collaboration between the two entities to ensure Senegalese citizens are better equipped to navigate the digital economy while safeguarding their personal data.

    According to PIN, the MoU underscored a shared commitment to raising awareness, providing redress for data rights violations, and creating a rights-respecting digital environment.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Executive Director of PIN, ‘Gbenga Sesan, emphasised the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in securing the digital economy.

    Sesan stated: “We are happy to work with the CDP and any agency of government on data protection, not just us, but civil society in general.

    “Government, private sector, civil society, and media must work together for us to enjoy the best of the digital economy. We can’t keep talking about the digital economy without protecting it.”

    Sesan highlighted PIN’s extensive work in data protection across Africa, noting its involvement in Nigeria’s Data Protection Law, enacted on 2 June 2023.

    He also referenced the organisation’s earlier efforts with the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, which was presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 but was not signed, leading to the separation of digital rights and data protection legislation.

    He added: “We agreed very quickly to work together on ensuring Senegalese citizens are trained on digital inclusion and data protection.

    “When rights are violated, they can seek redress through the CDP.”

    PIN, which operates in six African countries—Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—also runs an online platform to support individuals whose data has been abused.

    President of CDP Senegal, Ousmane Thiongawe reiterated the commission’s role as the sole authority responsible for authorising data collection and transfers by companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and government entities.

    “Before any entity gathers or transfers data outside Senegal, they must seek CDP’s approval,” Thiongawe said.

    He noted that in cases of data breaches, the CDP engages with affected companies to assess damages and find solutions.

    Thiongawe stressed that data protection principles in Senegal aligned with global standards, ensuring consistency with frameworks in countries like Nigeria.

    “Whether in Senegal, Nigeria, or elsewhere, we operate on the same basic principles,” he added.

  • Future Map foundation appoints directors to drive youth empowerment, digital innovation in Africa

    Future Map foundation appoints directors to drive youth empowerment, digital innovation in Africa

    The FutureMap Foundation, a prominent non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering African youth through technology, innovation, and mentorship, has announced the appointment of a new Board of Directors. 

    This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s mission to promote inclusive growth, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people across the continent.

    The new board brings together seasoned professionals from diverse sectors, each with a proven track record of impact and leadership. The directors are Dr. Mairo Mandara, Mrs. Rakiya Shuaibu Mohammed, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa and Dr. Odiong Akpan.

    Dr. Mandara, an esteemed Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Public Health Physician, is known for her extensive work in advancing health and education across Africa. She has led numerous transformative programs aimed at improving maternal and child health and promoting girls’ education.

    Mrs. Mohammed, an expert in technology and finance with over 25 years of experience, has an academic background in Computer Science and Information Systems Engineering. She holds advanced certifications in IT governance, cybersecurity, and accounting, making her a strong advocate for innovation-driven development.

    Mr. Inuwa, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is the first CISCO Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) in Nigeria’s public service. Trained at MIT, Harvard, and Cambridge, he has led major digital transformation initiatives, startup acceleration programs, and national digital literacy campaigns.

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    Dr. Akpan, Managing Partner at Ubulu Africa, has nearly two decades of experience in global firms such as Chevron, Ericsson, Airtel, and Schlumberger. An expert in digital systems and innovation management, his work focuses on deploying advanced digital infrastructure to drive operational efficiency and sustainable innovation.

    Mr. Ahmad Shu’aibu, CEO of the FutureMap Foundation, stated that the appointment of the Board of Directors is a defining moment and expressed optimism about the organisation’s future.

    “Our new Board embodies the values we uphold—diversity, innovation, and proactive leadership. Each member brings a unique perspective and deep expertise that will help us scale our impact and build a tech-empowered generation, particularly in underserved communities across Africa,” he said.

    “Their leadership will be pivotal as we expand access to cutting-edge training in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Agritech, while also boosting participation of women and small businesses in the digital economy. We are confident that the future holds great promise.”

    The FutureMap Foundation is committed to addressing Africa’s development challenges through technology and youth engagement. Its initiatives aim to foster a vibrant ecosystem of education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable digital growth.

    Among its flagship goals is training 3,000 Nigerians in deep-tech skills by 2030 and significantly increasing women’s participation in technology, especially in northern Nigeria. With its renewed leadership, the Foundation is set to play a transformative role in shaping Africa’s digital future.

  • Africa’s carbon markets set for rapid growth in 2025, poised to lead with climate justice

    Africa’s carbon markets set for rapid growth in 2025, poised to lead with climate justice

    Africa’s carbon markets—both voluntary and compliance—are projected to experience significant growth in 2025 and beyond, driven by the continent’s abundant natural resources and rich ecosystems.

    A new report, 2025 African Carbon Market Outlook, released by the Africa Carbon Trade Network, underscores that Africa is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in carbon trading, provided the expansion is aligned with climate justice and social integrity.

    The report emphasised that as these markets grow, there is increasing scrutiny on the social and ecological impacts of carbon offset projects. The demand for social integrity in these initiatives is emerging as a critical concern for stakeholders across the continent.

    Okoh Austine Sadiq, lead author and Editor of the Carbon Free Africa Network, noted that Africa’s carbon markets are projected to grow annually by 15 to 20 percent, potentially creating 30 million jobs by 2030 and generating up to $120 billion in revenue by 2050.

    The formal launch of the report is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

    Sadiq added that African nations are making bold moves to develop robust carbon market frameworks. These include the introduction of carbon taxes, establishment of emissions trading systems, and creation of national registries.

    The report identifies countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Ghana as frontrunners in aligning their policies with global carbon pricing mechanisms. 

    It also highlights growing interest from the private sector, with international companies, climate finance institutions, and development banks investing heavily in African carbon offset projects.

    Key sectors expected to attract major investments include renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and forest conservation.

    Read Also: Air fare in West Africa remains highest globally – ECOWAS

    “We mustn’t underestimate the challenges,” Sadiq said, adding, “there is a pressing need for greater liquidity as smaller carbon projects often struggle to gain traction due to financing constraints. Many African nations also face technical barriers, such as lack of infrastructure and expertise in carbon project development.

    Continuing, he said, “the challenge is to ensure the democratization of Africa’s carbon markets as regional integration deepens. We must provide the enabling conditions where smaller scale projects, especially those led by local communities, and small-holder farmers can have greater access to funding and resources.”

    He hopes that with the right investments, governance frameworks, and technological innovations, Africa is well positioned to become a global leader in carbon off-setting, driving both climate mitigation and sustainable development.

  • Tariffs, tectonic shifts and Nigeria’s window of opportunity 

    Tariffs, tectonic shifts and Nigeria’s window of opportunity 

    Prof. Benard I. Odoh

    On April 2, 2025, the global economic chessboard shifted dramatically. In a televised White House announcement, U.S. President Donald J. Trump unveiled a sweeping tariff regime: a universal 10% tax on all imports into the United States, accompanied by punitive tariffs reaching up to 145% on key Chinese goods such as electric vehicles, steel, semiconductors, aluminum, and solar panels. The move signaled more than just America’s trade policy pivot — it marked a full-fledged reset of global industrial power play.

    The impact was immediate. Foreign direct investment (FDI) into China’s manufacturing sector plunged by 27% in Q1 2025, according to Bloomberg Economics. Simultaneously, Vietnam recorded a 12% jump in new manufacturing investments, attracting $7.2 billion in the same period. Mexico raked in $18 billion in annual nearshoring investments, as U.S. firms looked to avoid Asian tariffs and shorten supply lines. Even Morocco and Ethiopia—long considered peripheral—began registering upticks in industrial investment, particularly in textiles and auto components. The global factory is on the move, and the world is realigning fast.

    Across the Atlantic, Africa is no longer just watching—it is beginning to reposition. Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso made waves by declaring his country a “Tax-Free Nation,” an audacious signal to global investors that West Africa is open for production—not just extraction. While his announcement stirred debates in Western diplomatic circles, it captured the attention of emerging-market investors. For once, an African leader wasn’t begging for aid—he was offering terms. The message was unmistakable: Africa can negotiate on its own terms, and those terms now include value creation.

    And yet, amid this continental awakening, Nigeria—the giant of Africa—remains unsettlingly silent. Despite being blessed with 44 commercially viable solid minerals, over 84 million hectares of arable land, and the continent’s largest population, Nigeria continues to export cocoa and cashew, crude oil and lithium, only to import chocolate, petrol, starch, and batteries. Our ports are busy, yes—but mostly importing what we could have made. Our industrial zones are littered with potential. Our policies? Still stuck in an extraction-export loop that’s no longer tenable in today’s economic reality.

    As Peter Drucker once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” This is where Nigeria’s proposed 30% Minimum Value-Addition Policy becomes a defining lever of change. The policy mandates that no raw material shall leave Nigeria unless it has undergone at least 30% processing locally. It’s a game-changing shift from raw extraction to productive transformation. And it sends a strong global signal: Nigeria is no longer willing to be a pipeline of raw exports; it wants to be a hub of finished goods, job creation, and wealth retention.

    Read Also: Brace for cost-reflective tariffs, minister tells Nigerians

    This isn’t about protectionism — it’s about strategic leverage. If properly enforced, the policy will compel both local and international investors to build processing plants and value-adding infrastructure across Nigeria. The economic impact is measurable and massive. Conservative estimates project over ₦25 trillion ($25 billion) in industrial investments within five years, the creation of over 3 million jobs, and an increase in value-added exports from 12% today to 45% by 2030. It will also deepen intra-African trade under AfCFTA by positioning Nigeria not as a supplier of raw inputs but as a producer of intermediate and final products for the continent.

    Meanwhile, the rest of the world is not waiting. Ethiopia has already launched industrial parks focused on textiles and agro-processing. Rwanda now exports refined tantalum instead of raw coltan. Morocco dominates phosphate and fertilizer exports with over $5 billion in annual value. These countries are no longer passive participants in global trade. They are shaping it. And they are being rewarded for it.

    As President Paul Kagame famously stated, “Africa’s story has been written by others; we need to own it and tell it ourselves.” Nigeria has everything it takes to lead this new narrative: a domestic market of over 200 million people, abundant raw materials, a tech-savvy youth population, and access to regional and global markets. What has been missing is the policy courage and institutional coordination to turn potential into productivity. The 30% Value-Addition Bill is a clear step in that direction. But it must move beyond legislative chambers and find life in the real economy—with budgetary support, executive buy-in, inter-agency alignment, and private-sector mobilization.

    As WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala once reminded the world, “Trade can be a force for good, but only when it is inclusive, fair, and value-enhancing.” This global trade reset will not wait for us to get ready. The U.S.–China tariff decoupling has already triggered a worldwide reallocation of manufacturing. The countries that act now will reap the long-term dividends. Those that hesitate will be locked into economic irrelevance.

    Nigeria has a chance—not just to catch up—but to catch the lead. This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for execution.

    Let us not miss it.

    .* Odoh is chairman, LOC, Africa Raw Materials Summit, 2025 and former SSG, Ebonyi State.

  • Diasporans lauds Nigerian lCT expert for developing life-saving app

    Diasporans lauds Nigerian lCT expert for developing life-saving app

    African immigrants and refugee youths in the United States of America (U.S.A) have lauded effort of Nigeria-born ICT expert, Engr. Oluwaseyi Ola for designing a life saving app, “Trusting Cultural Expansion for Coordinated Community Mental Health Intervention (TECCMEH)”.

    They described TECCMEH as a technological innovation grounded in cultural wisdom.

    According to them, TECCMEH was built from African immigrant and refugee experience, unlike many digital mental health tools that offers one-size-fit-all model.

    Ola said he designed TECCMEH drawing on his dual expertise in computer science and cultural mental health strategy. 

    According to him: “The platform was built in Partnership: Progressive Individual Resources (PIR) and the Telehealth Expansion Project, adding that the development of TECCMEH would not have been possible without the deep collaboration between BossmanSwift LLC, his own firm, and Progressive Individual Resources Inc. (PIR)—a trusted, African-led nonprofit based in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

    “Together, these organisations secured support from the Minnesota Department of Human Services and multiple philanthropic partners to launch the Telehealth Expansion for Coordinated Community Mental Health Intervention, also known as the TECCMEH Project.

    “Through this initiative, TECCMEH has:

    Delivered access to culturally competent telehealth services for hundreds of African immigrant and refugee families.

    “Trained community leaders, school staff, and faith-based figures to identify early signs of mental health needs and use TECCMEH as a frontline tool.

    Reduced social isolation and improved the likelihood of early intervention for young people struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance use.

    “In communities often overlooked by mainstream systems, TECCMEH has become a symbol of what’s possible when technology listens first—then acts.

    Transforming Lives: Stories from the Field,” he said.

    “From the bustling corridors of St. Paul schools to the quiet living rooms of single-parent homes in Brooklyn Park, TECCMEH is leaving a trail of transformation.”

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    Speaking after the award, Ola honored many youths, families, and elders whose stories and courage shaped TECCMEH’s design.

    “This award is not for me, “It is for the mother afraid to speak her child’s pain out loud. It is for the teacher who knows something is wrong but doesn’t have the words. It is for the youth searching for help in a language their heart understands.”

    Ola also challenged health leaders across the country: to invest in solutions that are community-rooted, technology-enhanced, and culturally informed. 

    His message resonated beyond the conference hall, sparking interest among regional policymakers and potential national partners in expanding the TECCMEH model into more cities and states.

    “In just over a year, TECCMEH has served over 1,200 youth and families, facilitating hundreds of successful referrals, increasing follow-up care, and reducing ER visits for psychiatric crises among immigrant youth.”

    Also speaking at the awards ceremony, the Executive Director of Progressive Individual Resources Inc, Dr. Richard Oni described TECCMEH platform as “a tool born from both technical brilliance and spiritual purpose—an instrument of healing forged by someone who truly understands the language of our communities. Mental health systems are often built for us but not with us. “Ola changed that

    While TECCMEH is said to have saved over 1,200 youths from mental health issues in less than a year, several testimonies abound in its efficiency.

    One of the parents interviewed during a TECCMEH pilot said, “When my son had nightmares and sadness, I did not know where to go. I was afraid. This app gave me hope.”

    Another user, simply identified as Abdi, a 16-year-old Somali American high school student, said after months of academic withdrawal due to severe metal health issues, was finally screened through TECCMEH and referred to a culturally aligned therapist.

    Also, Esther, a Liberian mother of three who shared during a PIR forum: said: “Before TECCMEH, I used to feel lost. I knew my daughter was hurting, but I didn’t know what to do. With this app, I found not just help, but people who understood our story.”

    The beneficiaries added that “What sets TECCMEH apart is not just its clean, accessible user interface—it is its intelligent cultural logic. 

    Every feature is designed around real-world needs voiced by community members themselves:Youth-friendly navigation ensures teenagers can explore mental health resources without judgment or fear.

    “Caregivers are guided in culturally sensitive ways to support their children without dismissing or shaming symptoms. Referral partners—including clinics, schools, and local nonprofits—can track outcomes, report concerns, and offer direct links to support services in real-time.TECCMEH is more than a referral system—it is a lifeline that connects community trust with clinical care.”

  • A new dawn for young women leaders in Nigeria

    A new dawn for young women leaders in Nigeria

    Last Thursday, history unfolded within the walls of the State Banquet Hall at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. For the first time, the hallowed halls opened to host the Young Women in Leadership Conference 2025, an event organised by Beyond Boundaries in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership.

    It was a bold statement that young Nigerian women, particularly those aged 21 to 35, are no longer waiting to be included in leadership conversations. They are taking their rightful place.

    The event drew a powerful line-up of leaders and changemakers, including Hon. Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Hon. Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim,  Hon. DR Bosun Tijani, Owen Omogiafo, Ibukun Oyedeji, and the award-winning singer Teniola Apata, Banke Meshida-Lawal, Iyioluwa Aboyeji, Ibukun Oyedeji among others. Their stories of perseverance and purpose set the tone for a day that will be remembered as a catalyst for generational change.

    But what set this event apart was not just the inspiring speeches. It was the tangible opportunities created.

    Scholarships for digital literacy courses were awarded to several participants, a critical investment that recognises technology as the new frontier for leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic participation. Through these scholarships, young women are being equipped not just to survive but to thrive in a digitally-driven world.

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    Further empowering attendees, solar panels were distributed via raffle draws,  a practical solution to the persistent challenge of energy access. For many of the winners, this single gift means more hours to study, work, and dream without interruption.

    One participant captured the spirit of the day perfectly:

    “I came seeking inspiration; I left with tools, hope, and a plan for my future.”

    Founder of Beyond Boundaries, Olu Olufemi-White, reflected on the day’s significance, noting that bringing young women into such a historic space symbolised the breaking of invisible barriers that have long limited women’s participation in national leadership and wealth creation.

    The Young Women in Leadership Conference 2025 has set a new standard, one that insists leadership is no longer defined by age, gender, or circumstance, but by vision, courage, and opportunity.

    If the energy in that hall is anything to go by, the future of Nigeria’s leadership is female, digitally empowered, and financially astute.