By Francis Nansak, Keffi.

A non-governmental organization, Fasasi Youth Foundation, has graduated 24 fellows from its Roots2 Leadership Fellowship Programme 2026.

The closeout ceremony was held on Saturday in Keffi with the theme: “Reimagining Local Governance: Empowering Youths for Ethical, Accountable and Inclusive Leadership in States.”

Speaking to journalists, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Mr. Fasasi Sadiq, said the organization was established to enhance the leadership capacity of youths across tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State.

According to him, the foundation received about 200 applications at inception, from which 50 applicants were carefully selected. 

“This is because we were intentional about the selection. Over the years, people have been disconnected from grassroots leadership. If you want to become a Local Government Chairman, a member of the State House of Assembly, or even get to the National Assembly, you need to start your politics from the grassroots,” he said. 

“This will make people demand accountability from local governance. That is what informed the GOV 360 Grassroots Leadership Project.” 

The Project and Operations Officer of Fasasi Youth Foundation, Otene Ojimaojo Eunice, said the project was designed with one clear objective: to nurture a new generation of ethical, informed, and service-driven young leaders who will contribute to good governance and sustainable development in Nigeria.

She explained that 50 persons were selected as beneficiaries, while 72 others could not make it. 

“Out of the 50 persons, only 47 confirmed participation and 24 successfully completed the programme as fellows. Throughout this fellowship, we coordinated a series of interactive learning sessions that equipped our fellows with practical knowledge and leadership skills,” Otene added.

The event featured goodwill messages from notable development actors, including Dr. Elizabeth Agbiti Douglas, Project Director, Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, who emphasized that “leadership is not a gift but a practice.” 

Other dignitaries present included the Deputy Registrar and Secretary, Centre for Research and Documentation, College of Education, Akwanga, and the Deputy Chairman of Kokona Local Government, Hon. Mohammed Adah Usman.

There was also a panel discussion on “Building Ethical Leadership for Democratic Renewal: The Role of Universities, Government and Civil Society.”

Certificates of completion were presented to the 24 successful fellows at the end of the ceremony.