The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation has commenced applications for the Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ Future Leaders Fellowship Programme, a new leadership initiative aimed at nurturing ethical and transformational leaders across Africa and the global diaspora.
Announcing the programme on Sunday, the Foundation described the Fellowship as a highly competitive, merit-based initiative inspired by the ideals and legacy of the late Nigerian statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
According to the Foundation, the programme represents a deliberate effort to move beyond celebrating Awolowo’s contributions to actively shaping the future through leadership development.
The Fellowship is open to young people between the ages of 20 and 35 from Africa, the Caribbean and diaspora communities worldwide.
It is designed to equip participants with the values, knowledge, discipline and leadership capabilities needed to make lasting contributions in their communities and professional fields.
The Foundation noted that the initiative was first unveiled during the 2026 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Lecture held on March 6.
It said the Fellowship draws inspiration from Awolowo’s lifelong commitment to principled leadership, social justice, good governance and human development through education.
It further observed that despite facing economic challenges and social inequalities, many young Africans possess remarkable talent, creativity and global exposure.
However, the Foundation stressed that many require structured mentorship, guidance and a values-driven leadership framework to translate their potential into meaningful societal impact.
The Fellowship was therefore conceived as a platform to bridge that gap by connecting Awolowo’s leadership philosophy with modern realities in governance, entrepreneurship, public service and social development.
The inaugural edition of the Fellowship will run for eight weeks, beginning on October 4, 2026. Sessions will be conducted virtually every Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Nigerian time (WAT).
The Foundation emphasised that admission into the programme will be strictly based on merit. Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement and provide the details of two referees as part of the selection process.
Interested candidates can apply through the Foundation’s online application portal. The application window will remain open until August 31, 2026.
The Foundation encouraged qualified young people across Africa and the diaspora to take advantage of the opportunity to develop their leadership potential and join a growing network of change-makers committed to service and excellence.
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