By Ayo Onikoyi

The African Leadership Foundation (ALF) convened a high-profile conference in 2006, celebrating exemplary leadership and innovation among young changemakers.

This landmark event gathered past National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) National Honours Award recipients, policymakers, civil society leaders, and development experts to discuss Africa’s leadership challenges and inspire a new generation of problem-solvers.

The conference, themed “Youth as Catalysts for Africa’s Transformation”, aimed to spotlight the transformative potential of young leaders and their contributions to societal development.

Through panel discussions, interactive workshops, and keynote speeches, participants shared experiences and strategies to tackle pressing issues such as youth unemployment, digital literacy, and sustainable agriculture.

Mr. Ayodele Aderinwale, Executive Director of ALF, highlighted the purpose of the gathering in his opening remarks: “The NYSC honorees here today exemplify the best of Nigeria’s youth. Their work showcases how service and innovation can address our continent’s challenges. This platform allows us to learn from their experiences and scale these impactful initiatives across Africa.”

Among the distinguished attendees was Mr. Stephen Okechukwuyem Ojji, who received the NYSC National Honours Award in 2004 for his outstanding contributions to education, agriculture, and digital empowerment during his service year in Anambra State. Recognized for his visionary projects, Mr. Ojji was interviewed to share insights on his remarkable journey and leadership philosophy.

Speaking with our correspondent at the 2006 ALF Conference, Ojji during an Interview said, Reflecting on your NYSC service year in 2004, how do you feel about the recognition you received and its impact on your career?

he NYSC National Honours Award was a humbling and encouraging moment for me. It validated the effort my team and I put into our projects and demonstrated that when young people are given the platform to serve, they can create meaningful change. It also shaped my outlook on leadership and service, encouraging me to take on more impactful roles within my community and beyond.

Reporter: Your projects in Anambra State were highly innovative.

Can you share more about what inspired them and how they were implemented?

The projects were inspired by the needs I observed in the community. Anambra State has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, but many lacked access to digital tools and knowledge. For the digital literacy program, we worked with local schools and community leaders to identify participants who could benefit most. We conducted hands-on training in computer basics, internet use, and digital marketing, helping over 150 individuals gain skills that improved their economic opportunities.

In agriculture, I partnered with local farmers to introduce simple, affordable technologies like weather monitoring tools and soil testing kits. This not only increased productivity but also helped farmers reduce losses and access new markets. For the education sector, in partnership with various organizations, I refurbished and provided computers and introduced computer clubs in five government-owned secondary schools, inspiring over 1,500 students to consider careers in technology.

That’s remarkable. How did you ensure the sustainability of these initiatives after your service year?

Sustainability was key from the beginning. I engaged local stakeholders, including teachers, community leaders, and small business owners, to take ownership of these projects. For example, we trained teachers to run the computer clubs and connected farmers with ongoing support networks. The goal was to make these initiatives self-sustaining so that their impact would continue long after my NYSC year ended.

As you participate in this conference, what lessons do you hope to share with other leaders and attendees?

The biggest lesson is that leadership is about listening and responding to the needs of the people you serve. It’s about empowering others with the tools and knowledge to create their own solutions. I also hope to inspire others to think creatively—sometimes the simplest ideas can have the most profound impact if they address the right problem.

What’s next for you, especially after achieving such significant milestones during your service year?

I am focused on expanding the work I started. Technology and education remain my passion, and I am exploring ways to scale these projects across more communities in Nigeria. I also want to contribute to policy advocacy, ensuring that young leaders have the resources and support needed to implement their ideas. This conference is an excellent platform for collaboration, and I hope to forge partnerships that will help bring these visions to life.

Thank you for your time, Your work is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing more of your impact in the years to come.

Thank you. It’s been a privilege to share my story, and I’m grateful to the African Leadership Foundation for this opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders. Together, we can do great things for our continent.

The 2006 ALF conference celebrated the achievements of NYSC honorees and underscored their role as catalysts for Africa’s development. Stephen Okechukwuyem Ojji’s story exemplified the potential of service-driven leadership, inspiring attendees to pursue impactful and sustainable change.

With a renewed commitment to collaboration and innovation, the conference set the stage for broader initiatives to empower youth and strengthen leadership across Africa.