The 2025 Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship Bootcamp and Graduation Ceremony held in Abuja was a powerful three-day immersion that gathered some of Nigeria’s most promising young leaders for learning, engagement, and leadership practice. Hosted by The Bridge Leadership Foundation, the programme strengthened fellows’ capacity to think critically, act ethically, and design solutions that impact their communities.
The Bootcamp opened on November 5, 2025, with an interactive leadership session led by Dr. Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, who challenged fellows to reflect on identity, civic responsibility, and strategic leadership. Founder Sen. Liyel Imoke, CON, also held a thought-provoking dialogue, urging fellows to answer the defining question: “What defines you?”
Day two featured high-level exposure to Nigeria’s governance structures. Fellows observed a live plenary at the National Assembly and held an engagement session with Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who emphasized integrity, accountability, and service-oriented leadership. At the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, fellows submitted evidence-based policy briefs addressing real community issues.
The final day showcased fellows’ Capstone Projects, with solutions spanning education, technology, youth empowerment, governance, and climate action. A distinguished review panel including Hon. Bamidele Salam, Amara Nwankpa, Ose Anenih, Debby Magnut, Hon. ENE. Akarachi Amadi, and Hon. Ibrahim Muhammad evaluated the presentations for clarity, innovation, feasibility, and social impact.
The programme culminated in the Graduation and Conference Ceremony, featuring a keynote by Dr. Sam Amadi, who underscored leadership as a discipline rooted in service, integrity, and strategic vision. A high-level panel discussion moderated by Daniel Stephen, an alumnus, brought together Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, Oluwatosin Iseniyin, Lucy Okonkwo, and Ose Anenih to explore the theme Tech for Good Governance: What role can AI and Data play?
A key highlight was the unveiling of the 2025 Fellows Legacy Project, a compendium capturing the cohort’s experiences. Cohort President Olajumoke Oluwaseun Olasoji also announced a scholarship initiative for the Foundation’s secondary school scholarship beneficiaries.
Several outstanding fellows were celebrated, including:
Group 4 (New Nigeria Youth Party), winners of the 2025 Campaign Video Challenge
George Ugwuja and Yasir Ibrahim, exceptional capstone presentations
Olajumoke Oluwaseun Olasoji, Outstanding Civic Engagement Award
Ajibola Oladiipo, Overall Best Fellow of the 4th Cohort
Femi Oladele and Ruth Angola, Most Consistent Fellows
As the 2025 cohort joins the EPLF Alumni Network, they carry forward a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to ethical leadership, community impact, and nation building. The Fellowship continues to stand as one of Africa’s leading platforms for preparing young leaders to shape a stronger and more accountable Nigeria.
