Hello Doers,

Last month we started our 60-Day GDC Stories featuring Grassroots Development Champions that have executed projects in their respective communities.

The purpose of the series is to encourage and celebrate our GDCs while inspiring more youths to get involved in bringing sustainable development in their communities by taking action on cogent issues in their communities.

Today, we are on the 27th episode. It has been a jolly ride.

Most of our featured Grassroots Development Champions are getting recognition for championing change in their immediate community for the first time; it is exciting to watch.

The appreciation has been massive. The goodwill messages keep rolling in. And our GDCs are really high on their emotions.

Just in case you have not been following the series, here are some of the stories of our Grassroots Development Champions that give us hope in Nigeria…

Uwakmfon Archibong Nsa
Uwakmfon Archibong Nsa

“I studied technical education at Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, because I wanted to be a teacher, but the negative experiences I had as a child motivated me into social work. My experiences gave me the passion to help women have a better life, live in a better world and be financially stable with good skills that will protect them from gender-based violence.” – Uwakmfon Archibong Nsa.

This is the story of Uwakmfon, a graduate of Technical Education from Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, who ended up as an advocate for gender equality.

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Raphael Sani Enejo
Raphael Sani Enejo

“As a programmer, I know the stress that comes with the job. Many tech people don’t have the luxury called fun. There is the imposter syndrome where achieving a task can be daunting especially when the task is not proving successful.

I chose the project on stress, suicide and depression because so many people go around with so much going on with them which they won’t tell anyone even if asked. People have mastered the art of dying in silence. I wanted to contribute in a small way to improve the mental health of people in my community.” – Raphael Sani Enejo.

This is the story of Raphael Sani Enejo, a graduate of Trinity University of Asia in Quezon City, Philippines. He is currently working as a software engineer at Semicolon, Lagos.

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#3 GDC Stories: Vera Uche Umejiaku executes a Clean-Up project at Dunama Secondary School, Lafia, during her NYSC service year as part of her personal Community Development Service (CDS).

Vera Uche Umejiaku
Vera Uche Umejiaku

“I believe in helping and uplifting others. It is imperative to note that, what people don’t know they simply don’t know and can’t make adjustments in their lives for a positive change.” – Vera Uche Umejiaku.

Vera is a Grassroots Development Champion driven by impact and legacy, making a sustainable change, and personal development. She is passionate about learning and growing, helping and uplifting others and living a good life.

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#4 GDC Stories: Naziga Ledum Bariyima teaches the students of C.S.S Yeghe Democracy, Corruption and Good Governance

Naziga Ledum Bariyima.
Naziga Ledum Bariyima.

“My life’s vision is to raise young leaders who will be agents of change and transformation in their society and the world at large.” – Naziga Ledum Bariyima.

Naziga is a Grassroots Development Champion who derives fulfillment in teaching young people 21st century skills that enable them gain access to the global market thereby making them financially independent. His core interests are politics, entrepreneurship and nation building.

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Ohaju Obed Ifeanyi
Ohaju Obed Ifeanyi

“My desire is to see that everyone regardless of background, creed and gender can make a positive impact and bring about the needed change in our nation and the world at large starting from their various communities” – Ohaju Obed Ifeanyi.

Ifeanyi is a Grassroots Development Champion who believes youths are blessed with immense potentials and capabilities which need to be harnessed and provided the necessary support so as to bring about a pivotal change in the Nigerian, African and global economy.

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Emeka Johnson Nwankwo
Emeka Johnson Nwankwo

“I strive for a world where children and young people have a voice and reach their full potential as bright scholars, healthy individuals and future leaders in society” – Emeka Johnson Nwankwo.

Emeka is a Grassroots Development Champion passionate about youth development and creating a sustainable environment.

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Esiobu Ngozika Peace
Esiobu Ngozika Peace

“I lost my mum at an early age and had to be passed around family members. It was tough growing up without a mother. One of the results was having nobody teach me about menstruation. So, the first time I saw the blood stains, I was so confused and in a state of dilemma. I didn’t know if I was sick or what. I was embarrassed, and I don’t want young girls to go through what I went through” – Esiobu Ngozika Peace.

Ngozika is a Grassroots Development Champion passionate about humanity and the girl-child. She is a 300 level student of  English Language and Literature Education, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Edo State.

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Oluwatobi Raji
Oluwatobi Raji

“I have a passion for educating people because I believe it’s the only lasting thing one can give to another person. I’m also confident that if the intellect of the average Nigerian is improved, the country would improve” – Oluwatobi Raji.

Oluwatobi is a Grassroots Development Champion passionate about creating new technologies and undertaking voluntary projects. He is driven by the idea of leaving the world better than he met it.

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Umar Abubakar Sadiq
Umar Abubakar Sadiq

“I plan on reducing the tree deficit in my community by 0.8% annually till 2030” – Umar Abubakar Sadiq.

Umar is a Grassroots Development Champion passionate about the attainment of the SDGS in Nigeria, and particularly, in his immediate community. He plans to plant at least 50 trees annually till 2030.

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#10 GDC Stories: Orjiakor Maxwell Austin executes a Climate Change workshop at Wisdom International School of Excellence, Sauka Lugbe, Abuja

Orjiakor Maxwell Austin
Orjiakor Maxwell Austin

“I am passionate about climate change, the environment, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). We only have one Earth; it’s either we take care of it or it swallows us all” – Orjiakor Maxwell Austin.

Maxwell is a Grassroots Development Champion who wants to raise environment-conscious young people who will take action for a sustainable environment.

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Would you like to be featured in our 60-Day GDC Stories? Become a Grassroots Development Champion.