Business
Apply For 2017 Mandela Fellowship, US Tells Young Leaders
The United States
Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria has announced that applications for the 2017 Mandela Washington Fellowship began, Wednesday, September 20, 2016.
A statement by the mission said that the Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative, and a key part of the US commitment to invest in the future of Africa.
Nigerian youths are encouraged to pursue this opportunity to access a six-week training course at a top US university in one of three tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership or Public Management, the statement explained.
It further added that eligible candidates should be between the ages of 25 and 35 at the time of application and have a demonstrated track record of leadership in a public, private, or civic organisation, and a commitment to contributing their skills and talents to build and serve their communities.
It advised interested candidates to visit http://www.yali.state.gov to apply and seek further information, adding that the application deadline is October 26, 2016.
Applicants needing access to the internet may visit the Information Resource Center at the US Embassy in Abuja or US Consulate General in Lagos or one of the 11 American Corners in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that nearly one in three Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and around 60 per cent of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is part of the President’s Obama’s overall effort to invest in the education and training of the continent’s next generation of leaders.
In 2010, President Obama launched YALI as a vehicle to support an emerging generation of African leaders.
In 2014, the program was expanded to include 500 young African leaders from sub-Saharan Africa.
In 2016, 1,000 young Africans participated in the Fellowship.
Since its inception, 186 young Nigerians have participated in the Fellowship, and over 45,000 young professionals in Nigeria have joined the YALI network.
In 2016, 100 young Nigerians participated in the Fellowship.
Gbufor Ijeoma
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.