By Peter Duru, Makurdi 

A Benue-based non-governmental organisation, the Julebrama Women and Children Initiative (JUWACI), has selected 10 young Nigerians with innovative ideas aimed at addressing pressing challenges in their communities following a nationwide competition that attracted nearly 300 applicants. 

The initiative, tagged “Give to Gain” Community Impact Challenge, was organised in commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2026 and spearheaded by the Founder and Executive Director of JUWACI, Chief Jennifer Hembafan Alih. 

The challenge, according to the organisers, is part of a broader vision to build a network of young community leaders across Nigeria who are committed to developing practical and sustainable solutions to local problems. 

JUWACI disclosed that the competition generated significant interest across the country, receiving 293 applications within just 24 hours of opening the submission portal. 

After a rigorous screening process, 40 applicants were shortlisted as finalists and moved to the next stage of the challenge where they received mentorship and technical support to refine their project ideas. 

As part of the development process, each finalist was paired with experienced mentors who guided them in strengthening the feasibility, sustainability, and potential impact of their proposed community projects. 

Following the mentorship phase, the finalists advanced to a public voting stage, where winners were determined through a transparent selection process that combined 40 per cent public engagement and 60 per cent internal evaluation by JUWACI. 

The evaluation focused on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, impact potential, and relevance to community needs.

At the end of the exercise, 10 young innovators emerged as winners, presenting project ideas designed to address issues including community development, disability inclusion, education, health awareness, and women’s empowerment. 

The selected projects are expected to move into the implementation phase in their respective communities, with JUWACI providing continued mentorship and support under its Community Impact Incubator Programme. 

Speaking on the initiative, Chief Alih said the programme was designed to empower young people to move beyond ideas and take concrete steps toward solving community challenges. 

“We cannot continue waiting for others to come and fix our communities. Real change begins when individuals take responsibility for creating solutions where they are,” she said. 

Alih noted that the challenge was aimed at nurturing a new generation of young leaders willing to take action and drive meaningful change within their communities. 

“Through this challenge, we are nurturing young leaders who are ready to move from ideas to action and create real impact where it matters most,” she added. 

She further explained that the organisation intends to expand the programme as a continuous platform for identifying and supporting grassroots innovators across the country. 

JUWACI, she said, remains committed to strengthening youth leadership, promoting women’s empowerment, and supporting initiatives that improve community wellbeing. 

The organisation has over the years implemented programmes focused on advocacy, education, and grassroots development, particularly targeting women, children, and vulnerable groups. 

Alih explained that by supporting young changemakers, the organisation hopes to stimulate community-driven development and encourage innovative solutions to local challenges. 

She added that JUWACI plans to expand the Community Impact Challenge nationwide, enabling more young Nigerians with transformative ideas to access mentorship, resources, and platforms to scale their initiatives. 

According to her, the organisation believes that sustainable development can be achieved when communities are empowered to identify their own challenges and develop solutions from within.