JELA’s Devt Initiative By Joy Salami
Thirty young people in Kogi State have embarked on a transformational journey under the 2025 Leadership Exchange Program (LEP), an initiative of the JELA’s Development Initiative programme aimed at nurturing selfless, community-driven leaders.
According to JELA’s Development Initiative, the programme, funded by the United States.The Department of State equips participants with leadership skills rooted in service and community development.
Running from January to August, it features a two-week intensive training in February, a two-month workplace exchange, and a final phase where participants will design and implement community projects.
Angela Omeiza, CEO and founder of JELA’s Development Initiative, emphasised the programme’s urgency in addressing the leadership gap.
“We lack leaders who are selfless and truly want to serve. Our goal is to train young people to become leaders committed to community building, putting in the work, and making tangible changes in their environment,” she stated.
She disclosed that the 30 participants, drawn from various local government areas in Kogi State, were selected through a rigorous application process. Their training, which runs until February 20, covers peace and conflict resolution, servant leadership, team building, and effective communication.
Following this phase, participants will transition into a two-month workplace exchange, where they will be placed in host organizations to gain practical experience and address real-world community challenges. Angela noted that this phase is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on leadership, ensuring participants can apply their skills meaningfully.
The final stage will require participants to identify pressing community issues and design impact-driven projects to address them. Funding and mentorship will be provided to support these projects, culminating in a closing ceremony in August, where participants will present their initiatives and share their impact.
At one of the training sessions, Mr. Idris Miliki, Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, delivered a presentation on “The Role of Public Relations in Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management” where he emphasised the importance of effective communication in resolving disputes.
“As a conflict manager or mediator, your role is not to impose solutions but to facilitate dialogue and help parties involved find common ground. Conflict exists everywhere, within families, institutions, and society at large, so young leaders must develop the skills to manage and resolve disputes effectively,” he explained.
Miliki also encouraged JELA’s Development Initiative to sustain the leadership training beyond the current cohort, by making it an annual program where these participants come together again next year to assess their progress.
Participants shared how the training has reshaped their understanding of leadership. Joseph Francis admitted that his perspective had shifted. In his words, I have learned that true leadership is not about power but about service. It’s about listening, understanding, and making sacrifices for the benefit of the community.
Jamiu Muhammad Nurudeen highlighted the significance of teamwork. He said, before the training, “I believed leadership was an individual responsibility. Now, I see that a great leader works with a team. Collaboration and effective communication are key to success”.
Toluwaloju Victoria Oluwatosin also emphasised the role of public relations in conflict resolution, according to her, “As leaders, we must learn to manage crises effectively, using dialogue and engagement to bring about peace.
JELA’s Development Initiative remains committed to empowering young people with the skills and mindset needed to lead with integrity and purpose. With support from the U.S. Department of State, this year’s Leadership Exchange Programme is set to mold a new generation of solution-driven leaders in Nigeria.
As these young leaders step forward, one thing is clear: they are not merely preparing for leadership in the future, they are actively embracing it today.
