By Juliet Umeh 

A Nigerian social media user, Charity Ekezie, has been chosen among the other four Changemakers in Africa selected by TikTok.

This is as TikTok has officially launched its Change Makers Programme thereby introducing 1 million grant for creators and non-profits.

It explained that this programme marks it’s first-ever global social impact creator elevation initiative, spotlighting creators and non-profits who drive meaningful change in their communities through TikTok. 

It said: “The programme aims to showcase the diverse voices and the strength of its global community as it educates, advocates and inspires communities to drive meaningful, positive and lasting change.”

It explained that the six-month programme will support selected creators from around the world in building engaged communities, reaching new audiences, and unlocking real-world opportunities.

It noted that this will be achieved through dedicated tools, resources, and donations to designated non-profit organisations.

The social media platform stated that an integral part of the TikTok Change Makers Programme is the grant. 

It said, ‘‘Through this grant, TikTok will donate over $1 million to more than 30 global and local non-profit organisations supporting various important causes. 

‘Each Changemaker will be honoured with a $25,000 direct donation to support their respective advocacies, thereby elevating the impact of their work.”

Speaking on the selection process, it said: 

“To officially launch this program, TikTok is celebrating and unveiling an inaugural global list of Change Makers, comprising 50 purpose-driven creators from around the world. 

“Whether it’s spreading positivity or sharing good deeds, these Change Makers continue to advocate, inspire, and educate their communities to drive collective change on TikTok and beyond.”

On the reason it focused on Africa, it said: “As part of the TikTok Change Makers Programme, four purpose-driven creators from Africa have been selected to make a significant impact and inspire their audiences on TikTok and beyond.

In Nigeria, Charity Ekezie, known as has been chosen as a Changemaker. 

“Ekezie understands that many people outside Africa hold stereotypes about the continent based on media portrayals. She uses her platform to sarcastically dispel these myths and educate people about the reality and beauty of African culture.” 

Also commenting, Ekezie said: “I use TikTok to dispel negative stereotypes about Africa and educate people about what an amazing place it is. I use my platform to not only entertain but spread awareness on the beauty of African culture and its people.”

TikTok explained that Ekezie will partner with Paradigm Initiative, an NGO that works to connect underserved young Africans, empower them with crucial digital, life, and business skills, and ensure the protection of their rights. 

It said: ‘Their programmes include Life Skills, ICT, Financial Readiness, Entrepreneurship (LIFE) training, and other digital rights programs.”

Senior Manager, Grants & Programme Strategy, Paradigm Initiative, Adeboye Adegoke, said: “At Paradigm Initiative, we are constantly looking to explore creative ways to communicate the great work we do to protect and promote digital rights and inclusion in Africa. 

“We strongly believe that this opportunity brings life to that aspiration. We are looking forward to working with Charity in the coming months to reach new audiences and to communicate key messages to this demography of TikTok audiences.

 “We appreciate TikTok for this partnership and look forward to continuing to work together with TikTok and other platforms of expression to advance digital rights and inclusion objectives in Africa and the rest of the world.”

Meanwhile, Head of Creators, TikTok, Kim Farrell, said: “The TikTok global community harnesses creative self-expression to drive positive impact by rallying support, raising awareness, and advocating for the causes they truly care about.

“We’re proud to launch the TikTok Change Makers Programme to help social impact creators and non-profit organisations reach more communities, unlock real-world opportunities, and bring about lasting, meaningful change.”