2025 Mandela Fellowship: Joel Izeze to Promote Global Youth Leadership, Child Rights
Joel Izeze, a leverage consultant, development expert, and one of Nigeria’s foremost advocates for youth empowerment and child rights, has been selected for the prestigious 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship, marking a significant milestone in his leadership journey.
A native of Oginibo in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State and resident in Jos, Plateau State, Izeze arrived in the United States last week to join a distinguished cohort of African changemakers participating in the U.S. Government’s flagship Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
Over the next six weeks, he will undertake intensive academic training, leadership development, and professional networking at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where he is part of the Leadership in Civic Engagement track.
His selection for the highly competitive program drawn from a pool of over 8,000 Nigerian applicants is a recognition of his dedication to social impact, youth development, and institutional reform.
Through his work in policy innovation, digital learning, and capacity building, Izeze has played a vital role in addressing youth unemployment and preparing young Nigerians with relevant 21st-century skills.
One of his most notable achievements is founding and leading the Barak Africa Child Rights Initiative (BACRI), a platform focused on amplifying the voices of children and advancing their rights across Nigeria.
Reflecting on his selection in a heartfelt Facebook post, Izeze expressed deep gratitude: “I count it a profound honor and privilege to have been selected among 54 Nigerians from a pool of over 8,000 outstanding young applicants for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders 2025, a flagship program funded by the U.S. Department of State.
“I will be joining the Leadership in Civic Engagement track at UMBC, a globally renowned institution for research and community engagement.
“From Jos to Maryland, my journey is a testament that if you hold on to God’s word, it’s enough capital to fund your vision. When God speaks, you can literally take it to the bank.
“My work in leading Barak Africa Child Rights Initiative began two years ago with nothing but a passion to amplify children’s voices—and today, look at what God is doing.”
He also paid emotional tributes to his family, mentors, and faith community, saying:”To my dear wife and prayer warrior, thank you for believing in me. To my late father, Clement Izeze, I know you’re smiling from heaven. To my mother, my unbreakable prayer intercessor, and to my siblings, thank you for your support.
“To my confidants, mentors, and the men of God who have continually lifted me in prayer, your sacrifices are not in vain.
“A special thank you to the man who ignited my belief that this vision was possible, Olugbenga Ogunbowale, thank you, Sire.
“My profound gratitude also goes to the U.S. Department of State, IREX, and UMBC for this rare honor and opportunity to learn, grow, serve, and lead.”
Since its launch in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has empowered more than 6,000 young African leaders, many of whom now play influential roles in policymaking, entrepreneurship, civil society, and development.
For Izeze, whose story continues to inspire many across Nigeria and beyond, the fellowship represents more than personal growth; it is a call to purposeful, collective action for global change, as he carries the torch for a new generation of African leaders committed to equity, opportunity, and sustainable development.
