Opportunity at Young Leaders Network
🇳🇬 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: FREEDOM 250 – FROM COUNTIES TO COUNCILS
Programme: Emerging Young Civic and Innovation Leaders
Organiser: Young Leaders Network
Eligible States: Bauchi, Gombe and Adamawa
Number of Participants: 90 (30 from each state)
Age Requirement: 18–35 years
Are you a young person passionate about community development, civic engagement, innovation, democratic leadership and accountable governance?
The Young Leaders Network invites applications for Freedom 250: From Counties to Councils, a programme celebrating America’s 250 years of freedom by equipping and mentoring young people to contribute to responsive grassroots governance.
The initiative will select 90 emerging civic and innovation leaders from Bauchi, Gombe and Adamawa States to develop practical skills and promote citizen participation in local government affairs.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Live in Bauchi, Gombe or Adamawa State, or be actively engaged in civic activities in any of these states.
- Have an interest in civic engagement, youth leadership, media, public communication, community development, public finance, technology or local accountability.
- Be available to participate throughout the programme, including training, mentorship and community activities.
- Demonstrate commitment to nonpartisan and evidence-based civic engagement.
- Be willing to organise community step-down sessions and share their knowledge with others.
WHAT WILL SELECTED PARTICIPANTS GAIN?
Participants will benefit from practical learning, mentorship and opportunities to engage with community and local government stakeholders.
Programme activities include:
- Two-Day Grassroots Governance Bootcamp: Learn about grassroots governance, civic participation and local accountability.
- Eight Weeks of Mentorship: Receive guidance and mentorship from U.S. exchange programme alumni.
- Practical Skills Development: Build knowledge in budget literacy, civic technology, public accountability and community engagement.
- LGA Accountability Learning Visits: Gain practical exposure to local government processes and accountability mechanisms.
- Civic Tools Development: Collaborate with other young leaders to develop tools that support citizen engagement.
- Citizen–LGA Engagement Sessions: Participate in conversations with local government stakeholders.
- Community Step-Down Sessions: Share lessons and knowledge with your community.
WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?
If you want to understand how local government budgets work, monitor public projects, raise community concerns, promote transparency or use technology and communication to improve governance, this programme offers an opportunity to develop the relevant skills.
Whether your interest is leadership, media, technology, public finance or community development, you can contribute to making local governance more responsive.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12 November 2026
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and eligible applicants should complete the online application form through the link below:
IMPORTANT: Only 90 participants will be selected, with 30 places allocated to each of the three participating states. Selection will be based on eligibility, motivation, relevant experience, availability and potential to apply the learning.
