The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) Advisory Board, Wednesday, disclosed and lauded Luminate for coming on board as a funding partner to advance the main objective of their project in progress.
The partnership, is said to underscore a shared commitment to empowering the Nigerian youth and catalysing impactful transformation for the long-term developmental landscape of Nigeria.
According to the press statement signed by the Head, Communications and Community Engagement Maimuna Sani, that the NYFF Project initiated in 2021, is a five-year initiative funded by the MacArthur Foundation and Ford Foundation and implemented by LEAP Africa.
“This project is dedicated to nurturing youth leadership and activism in Nigeria by fostering outcomes-driven policy engagements and inclusive resourcing for medium and long-term national development. The NYFF embodies the collective determination to invest in the potential of Nigerian youth. By facilitating policy engagements and providing a platform for their voices and ideas to thrive, NYFF continues to pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive Nigeria.
Speaking on the partnership, the Executive Director of LEAP Africa Kehinde Ayeni, expressed her enthusiasm, “We are thrilled to welcome Luminate Group as a funding partner for the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund.
“Their commitment to join this fund underscores the power of collective action in engendering citizen-led participation in good governance and nation building. This partnership would amplify the project’s local and grassroots impact and create a lasting positive change in Nigeria at all levels.”
The Director of Programmes LEAP, Africa Amabelle Nwakanma, said Luminate’s experience in supporting social change initiatives will be a valuable asset to NYFF. “This collaboration will enable us to expand our reach and engagement efforts, ensuring that youth voices not only resonate but also drive tangible changes in our nation’s long-term development plans.”
As part of this collaboration, Luminate’s contribution to NYFF funding pool will bolster the fund’s capacity to drive sustainable and inclusive development initiatives. This infusion of resources will further enhance the NYFF’s outreach and engagement across its areas of focus, ensuring that youth voices are not only heard but also incorporated into the fabric of the nation’s long-term development plans,” she added.
The Vice President Africa at Luminate, Toyin Akinniyi, said that Luminate is proud to co-fund the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund alongside the Ford Foundation and MacArthur Foundation. “Young Africans’ active participation in civic and political processes is critical to ensuring more representative and inclusive governance.
The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund will continue to play a huge role in facilitating young people’s active participation and engagement in the development of policies and strategies that will shape Nigeria’s future, and that’s why we’re supporting this.”
Earlier, the Co-chair NYFF Advisory Board Chinenye Uwanaka, said, “We are so delighted to have Luminate on board. Their vision and values strongly align with ours, and they have a history of supporting youth-led organisations. I really look forward to working with them to increase meaningful civic and political participation in Nigeria, and help create an environment where independent media thrives, especially in the challenging times we live in as a nation.”
The Luminate’s involvement solidifies NYFF’s foundation of collaboration, innovation, and resilience. Together with LEAP Africa, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Ford Foundation, Luminate becomes an integral part of this transformative journey that places the youth at the forefront of nation-building.”
