My name is Ahmad, and this is my story: A local champion to a global citizen

Growing up as a kid, I always had curiosity about everything I come across—curiosity on how TV works, and how toys are made to. My dad would sometimes be mad at me because I never fail to destroy anything he bought for me, just to uncover the hidden secret of how they worked. I would ask my mum a lot of silly questions and sometimes she would just pretend as she didn’t hear me.

Before I was taken to school, I learnt several things taught by my parents; solving simple arithmetic tasks and the English alphabets. I quickly picked up and performed very well in my first term among my contemporaries while in nursery and primary school. I would do my homework in school because my curiosity would never allow me take it home.

Some factors led my upbringing in different environments which prepared my interpersonal relationships. We lived in ghetto areas where dogs would chase and bite kids but actions wouldn’t be taken, places where people of different cultures, religions, tribes and ethnicity lived together in harmony regardless of geographical extractions.

In 2012, we moved to a rural from an urban—developed area and I battled to fit in because of the different perspectives and practices I came across. However, I had no option but to adapt helplessly. The new friends I made considered me alien because I wouldn’t do what they did; significant rule-breaking, such as skipping school, running away, or staying out at night, fighting, cruelty toward others or animals, or other actions that may cause harm. I never regret disengaging myself from those.

As an adult, I do my best to change the narrative through taking voluntary actions in my community such as helping teenagers unleash their potentials via learning simulation and improve governance in ensuring good service delivery system to citizens through issue-based advocacies and campaigns.

I facilitated initiatives which aim at improving the overall development of my state Jigawa at NextJigawa, where the prioritize needs of citizens are currently being addressed through the citizens charter of demand we compiled and advocated for in 2022. Represented the youth of my state in projects which amplify the youths’ voices in Nigeria such as Naijayouthfund — #TheNigeriaWeWant amongst others.

Currently leading an impactful project which aims at strengthening active citizenship and youth inclusion/participation in the decision making apparatus of our nation at Turnup Jigawa.

Today I have the honor of being recognized internationally and selected to attend one of the most competitive fellowships globally, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by IREX. In this year alone, over 50,000 applications got submitted from Africa; 9,500 from Nigeria where 250 got screened and 56 selected and 700 fellows selected in total.

Remember that success is not an overnight phenomenon but a journey paved with patience, resilience, and unwavering determination. Each challenge we face is an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve. When we embrace the journey, for every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to our dreams. Believe in the power within you, harness your unique talents, and never lose sight of your aspirations. The world awaits the brilliance that only you can bring. Rise, persevere, and let your story be a testament to the incredible heights that patience and hard work can achieve. Your time is now, and your future is limitless.