Mission
To empower young Africans with the knowledge, skills, values, networks and opportunities to lead ethically, engage meaningfully in society, contribute to effective governance and drive positive, sustainable change in their communities.
About Us
A Community of Young African Leaders
The YALI Network Abuja Hub is a leadership platform established as a public diplomacy initiative of the United States Government. Our work focuses on empowering young leaders with the values, skills and systems needed to strengthen governance, build effective institutions and deliver sustainable community impact.
The Network is a non-profit body dedicated to educating, inspiring and engaging a diverse community of emerging leaders across public service, entrepreneurship, civil society and private enterprise within the Federal Capital Territory.
Over the past ten years, YALI Network Abuja has built a consistent, wide reaching track record of leadership development and community impact. Our work includes monthly face-to-face engagements, advocacy projects, policy brief development, mentorship and internship initiatives, career mentorship programs, digital literacy and tech skills training in secondary schools, back-to-school support for primary school children in underserved communities, health outreach programs and business grant support.
We have engaged 5,000+ emerging leaders, reached 150+ communities and impacted 10,000+ lives, marking a decade of translating leadership into tangible, measurable change across Abuja’s communities.
Our Purpose
Mission & Vision
Vision
A generation of empowered, ethical and socially responsible young African leaders actively shaping stronger institutions, thriving communities and a more inclusive, prosperous and sustainable Africa.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Integrity
We uphold honesty, accountability and ethical leadership.
People-Centered Leadership
We put people, communities and collective progress at the heart of our work.
Collaboration
We build partnerships and bring in diverse perspectives to achieve greater impact.
Innovation
We encourage new ideas, technology and creative approaches to solving societal challenges.
Inclusion
We create space for diverse voices, backgrounds and perspectives.
Excellence
We pursue high standards in leadership, programs and service.
Impact
We focus on practical action and measurable contributions to our communities.
What We Do
Learn more about our programsHow We Create Impact
10+
Years of Impact
5,000+
Emerging Leaders Engaged
150+
Communities Reached
10,000+
Lives Impacted
Our Team
Executive Leadership
The people who lead YALI Network Abuja. Select a name to read their profile.
Coordinator
Deputy Coordinator and Director of Partnerships
State General Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Programs Officer
Financial Secretary
Communication Officer
Treasurer
Our History
Ten years of coordinators
Every year a coordinator has led YALI Network Abuja. Here are the people who have led us from 2016 to 2026.
April to August 2016
Chidinma Afocha
Interim Head
2016 to 2017
Dozie Nwanfor
2017 to 2018
Ovo Otarigho
2018 to 2019
Nnaemeka Ezeani
2019 to 2020
Enite Odebala
2020 to 2021
Oyewole Joledo
2021 to 2022
Innocent Okafor
2022 to 2023
Mrs. Moyosoluwa Oladayo
2023 to 2024
Mr. Daniel Black
2024 to 2025
Lady Irene Arinze
2025 to 2026
Utibe-Abasi Udotong
Current coordinator
What Our Members Say
“Taking the Business Entrepreneurship pathway of the YALI mentorship programme has helped me understand what it takes to build a business beyond just having an idea. I learnt how to identify customer needs, build the right team, understand business valuation, and explore funding opportunities. Most importantly, the programme has helped me gain clarity, and approach entrepreneurship with a better understanding of the practical steps involved in turning an idea into a sustainable business.
I am so grateful to the YALI Network Abuja for this invaluable opportunity, for providing this platform to connect and learn from industry experts.”
YALI mentorship mentee
Business Entrepreneurship pathway
“When I joined the Mentorship Programme, I told my mentor, Blessing Iyare, that public speaking was my biggest weakness. Instead of brushing it aside, she built my growth around it.
Over eight weeks, I chose a speaking topic, built my slides, took honest feedback, and delivered my first talk to a tech audience. In addition I completed social media courses, started exploring AI tools for content creation, and found a clearer direction for my work in health and technology.
What I’ll remember most is her patience. She has a very busy schedule, and this mentorship is free, yet she always made time to ask what I had done and what was lacking. When life got heavy, she met me with understanding, not pressure.
Thank you, Blessing, for your time, your honesty, and for believing in me when I doubted myself. Thank you also to YALI Network Abuja for creating this opportunity for young people to grow.
This mentorship taught me that fear doesn’t mean stop. I’m committed to continuing to face mine, one step at a time.”
YALI mentorship mentee
Mentored by Blessing Iyare
Become a member of YALI Network Abuja
Join a community of emerging leaders. Register on the membership form to be part of our meetings, programs and projects.