Facebook selects four ‘community leaders’ from Nigeria, others from Africa to receive massive funding for upcoming project
Jennifer Ugwueke
As part of its focus in bringing people together and building communities, Facebook today announced the 12 African community leaders who have been selected to join Facebook’s Community Accelerator, a six-month programme that aims to equip communities with the training, mentorship, and funding they need to grow.
As part of the global Facebook Community Leadership initiative launched in 2018, the Community Accelerator programme invests in leaders who are building communities around the world; including bringing people together, offering encouragement, and driving change. Following the call for applications in March 2020, 77 community leaders from around the world were chosen, with 12 selected from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Awarding up to $3 million, selected community leaders will receive up to $30,000 (N11,607,600) in funding. In the first three months of the programme, these leaders will learn from experts and coaches, whilst developing customized curriculums focused on growing their own communities. The following three months will then be focused on iterating and executing their plans, with funding and continued support from their network, as well as from a dedicated programme team. The Community Accelerator will then culminate in an event with community leaders to showcase their communities and progress to external funders and partners.
The names of the Nigerians are below with their organisations:
1. Hauwa Ojeifo (She Writes Woman) 2. Tony Onuk (The Root Hub)
3. Eyitayo Ogunmola (Utiva)
4. Abiodun Adereni (Helpmum)