By Sewe Ishola,

Four Nigerians have been selected for this year’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellowship by the African Leadership Institute.

Among the emerging African leaders are Adebola Williams, CEO of RED; Omoni Oboli, actress and film director; Chude Jideonwo, Founder of Joy, Inc.; Oluseun Onigbinde, Lead Partner and Co-founder of BudgIT; Serah Makka, Nigeria Country Director for ONE Campaign; Temi Marcella Awogboro, investment professional; and Aminu Umar Sadiq, a Senior Vice-President of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

The participants, numbering 27, were selected from among 300 nominees from over 30 African countries, including those nominated by sponsoring organisations – Allen & Overy, Barclays Africa Group, Centum, GlaxoSmithKline, Investec, Rio Tinto, and ThomsonReuters. They represent 10 African countries and various industries and are aged between 30 and 39.

The fellowship provides participants with intensive learning and broad experience on the principles and application of leadership, an opportunity to explore the issues and specific characteristics of leadership in Africa, including the global challenges and dimensions of an African leader.

Upon completing the programme, Tutu Fellows return to play active roles in their respective communities, countries and spheres of influence. As part of this network of global leaders, all Fellows are expected to attend AFLI alumni events, including functioning as ambassadors for the Fellowship across all segments of society.