neheholmes:

So on March 5th, I was officially inaugurated with 44 other vibrant youths into the northeast social innovation fellowship held at the American University of Nigeria, Yola. At first I thought it was just a normal procedure. But from the calibre of people present at the noble event, was wowed and excited. had some wisdom to relinquish.
I knew it was going to be the best deal to ever happen to me and opportunity to build my career. It was my first moment having to fly multiple times a week and feeling like a made man.
The North East Social innovation fellowship was a clarion call for the best of youths with ideas to create their own reality in a bit to solve one of the deadliest disasters in the northeast Nigeria.violent extremism and negative religious ideologies and narratives.

So like every other fellow we were so curious to know what the real deal will be for us. As time goes by my curiosity became interesting to me. We have had capacity building training and workshops from best of the best professionals with proven track record.

First it was on social innovation ideas creation... Solving wicked problems as fondly called by Co creation hub Nigeria. It was an experience beyond adventure,and thought we’ve learnt alot.but then it was just the beginning. Then comes the students for liberty Africa, guess everything was new to me from my medical background studies..
The principles of free market economics, capitalism and socialism, African values with trade, tolerance and much more. By then I felt like an economist. Another masterpiece was critical thinking “tafakkur" ,the circles, Socratic methods, Islamic philosophy and civilization by quilliam international.this particular training has revolutionized my thinking. I began to use imagination, ponder on why things were the way they are, the reasons for existence and finding my own truth.

I became more liberal and universal because it has made me to always ask “what if” and no more prejudice and judging others too quickly. The trainings by center for social justice on activism and activist policy making network was another eye opener into what legislation, judiciary and governance means to me as a Nigerian and a global citizen.

Learnt more about speaking truth and ways to stand for a just course. The summary of the trainings was on gender and social inclusion in policy and mainstreaming peace and conflict resolution. As the saying goes any society that is not engendered is endangered is true and coupled with the issues in a typical African setting, it has improved my knowledge on gender roles, equity and respect for humanity.

Of course to crown my efforts into being an active reader is the book club meetings, this is where we share into people’s world, fiction,reality and experiences that conforms with our essence of being fellows. I must say the book club facilitator is superb, and this has already earned her some accolades and even becoming a Mandela Washington fellow.

The opportunity to be mentored by influencers weekly by people of high reputation and experience is one thing I can’t forget so easily. It always has a unique and promising outcome of knowledge and inspiration. I have had a great privileged to dine and wine with ambassadors, head of missions and people with great values to humanity. So can I say am still the same?, oh definitely not..
My manners has changed, attitude improved, social status upgraded, thinking more liberal and universal and of course knowledge gained is overwhelming.

To cap it all, it was a great pleasure and rare opportunity to be considered a fellow of the northeast social innovation fellowship. My dreams isn’t ending now, as I keep on making impacts on the resources bestowed on me and make a difference anywhere I find myself. The journey may end as a fellow but a greater chance to embrace humanity with love, compassion, dignity and Co inhabitant and carrier of peace has began in me..
I will always cherish this moment in my lifetime.
#NotAnotherNigerian
#Counteringviolentextremism
#Thepowerofyou.

My Name is Nehemiah Y.

Twitter :@neheholmes
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