Promad Foundation has graduated 18 participants from its Social Accountability Fellowship (SAF) in Ondo State, with a pledge to expand youth participation in governance across the country.
The programme took place in Akure to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of Promad, Mr Daisi Omokungbe, the organisation’s Programmes Officer, Mr Emmanuel Sani, said the initiative was designed to inform, enlighten, and equip young people with the skills and tools needed to strengthen transparency and promote good governance.
Sani explained that the fellowship, the second since its inception after the maiden edition in Nasarawa State, was conceived following research which revealed low youth participation in governance and a significant disconnect between young citizens and state institutions.
According to him, out of 77 applicants comprising 59 males, 18 females, and two persons with disabilities, 18 fellows were selected, with 29 of the applicants drawn from Akure South Local Government Area.
Twelve facilitators took the participants through courses on gender mainstreaming, gender equality, project monitoring, civic technology, civic data and artificial intelligence, as well as storytelling.
He added that the fellowship recorded a 53 per cent participation rate and prioritised practical learning over theoretical sessions.
“The SAF has shown that equipping young citizens with the right knowledge, tools, and networks strengthens transparency. We recommend expanding local stakeholders’ involvement, building a fellowship alumni support network, and introducing a fellowship impact grant,” he said.
Addressing the gender imbalance in the selection, Sani noted that the low turnout of female applicants and persons with disabilities reflected a wider challenge of engagement in governance processes. “We deliberately included modules on gender equality and social inclusion to empower fellows to reach out to women and PWDs in their communities,” he added.
On his part, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, announced plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with Promad to strengthen collaboration.
The Speaker, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, disclosed that discussions were ongoing to increase the number of fellows from 18 to 26 so that each constituency in the state could be represented.
“This is a first-of-its-kind initiative, and the House has adopted it. I urge the fellows to remain steadfast and committed to securing a better future for our state,” he said.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Segun Omoyofunmi, represented by Mr Cosmos Adewebi, told the fellows: “You are now empowered to chart a path that will shape our future. Remain committed, as your creativity, strength, and effort will always be celebrated.”
Also speaking, a board member of Promad, Mr Banjo Ayenakin, lauded the programme for connecting stakeholders and promoting merit in governance. He urged the state government to sustain initiatives that encourage accountability.
One of the fellows, Ms Ablaziz Medinat from Akure North, described the fellowship as transformative. “I have benefited a lot from this programme. This kind of initiative should come more often so youths can learn, socialise, and gain more exposure,” she said.
The programme also featured a panel session where the Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on ICT, Tomide Akinribido, and architect/public speaker on community service, Mr Gbenga Adene, engaged the fellows in an interactive discussion on civic responsibility, leadership, and the role of young people in shaping policy.
Both speakers urged the participants to stay focused on positive change and use their newly acquired skills to hold leaders accountable.
Certificates were presented to the new fellows, who were charged to put into practice the knowledge gained during the course of the programme.
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