Opportunity at Young Leaders Network
🇳🇬 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: FREEDOM 250 – FROM COUNTIES TO COUNCILS
Programme: Emerging Young Civic & Innovation Leaders
Organiser: Young Leaders Network
Eligible States: Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa
Total Slots: 90 Participants (30 from each state)
Age Limit: 18 – 35 years
Application Deadline: November 12, 2026
📌 About the Programme
Are you a young, passionate changemaker dedicated to community development, civic engagement, innovation, democratic leadership, and accountable governance?
The Young Leaders Network is officially opening applications for Freedom 250: From Counties to Councils. Celebrating 250 years of democratic governance principles, this initiative is designed to equip and mentor emerging leaders across Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa States to foster transparent, responsive, and citizen-led grassroots governance.
🎯 What Selected Participants Will Gain
Participants will undergo an intensive learning and mentorship journey, gaining direct exposure to local governance mechanisms and practical civic tools:
2-Day Grassroots Governance Bootcamp: Interactive workshops on civic participation, grassroots leadership, and local government accountability.
8 Weeks of Mentorship: Direct guidance, coaching, and insights from distinguished U.S. exchange programme alumni.
Practical Skills Development: Hands-on training in budget literacy, civic technology, public accountability, and strategic community engagement.
LGA Accountability Learning Visits: Real-world field exposure to local government operational processes and transparency tools.
Civic Tools Development: Collaborative creation of innovative tools to boost active citizen participation.
Citizen–LGA Engagement Sessions: Direct platform to dialogue and engage with local government leaders and stakeholders.
Community Step-Down Sessions: Mentorship opportunities to train and share actionable knowledge with your local community.
📋 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Age: Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Location: Must reside in Bauchi, Gombe, or Adamawa State, or be actively leading civic initiatives in any of these states.
Interest & Track Record: Demonstrated interest in civic engagement, youth leadership, media/communication, community development, public finance, civic tech, or local accountability.
Availability: Full commitment to participate across all training modules, mentorship sessions, and community step-down activities.
Values: Strong commitment to nonpartisan, evidence-based civic action.
Impact Mindset: Willingness to organise community step-down workshops to cascade skills to others.
💡 Why You Should Apply
Whether your goal is to master public budget tracking, monitor municipal projects, advocate for community development, leverage media for social impact, or build civic tech tools, Freedom 250 provides the skills, network, and mentorship needed to make local government work for everyone.
📝 How to Apply
Selection is competitive and strictly merit-based across the 3 participating states (30 participants per state).
Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
Complete the online application form before the deadline:
⏰ Deadline: November 12, 2026
