CITAD Launches Pilot Leadership Mentoring Program for Young Nigerians

By Mustapha Salisu

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has initiated a pilot project tagged ‘Youth Leadership Development Program (YOU-LEAD)’ aimed at empowering young Nigerians with leadership and self-development skills.

Speaking at the launch and orientation ceremony for selected participants today at CITAD’s Kano office, Isa Garba, Senior Program Officer at CITAD, outlined the purpose and structure of the program, on behalf of the Centre’s Executive Director, Y.Z. Yau.

“This orientation program targets young people in leadership, addressing the generational gap and lack of youth inclusion in political, economic, and social spaces,” Garba explained.

He added that the initiative builds on CITAD’s eight-year “Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series (ILERIS)” which has already demonstrated positive outcomes, inspiring participants through interactions with leaders across various fields.

Garba explained that the six-month mentoring program will encompass three months of seminars and workshops, followed by three months of internships in different sectors.

He hinted that participants will also gain experience in public speaking, report writing, and article drafting skills aimed at promoting independence and career readiness.

Adding that the program received 258 applications, and 15 participants were selected due to limited resources “We shall support participants with monthly transport to encourage consistent attendance. As we expect them to attend all sessions” Garba noted.

Garba emphasized that the program will help these young people either become employable or develop entrepreneurial ideas, ultimately transforming them into job creators rather than job seekers.