Two fellows of the maiden edition of the Countryside Emerging Leaders Fellowship (CELF) have recounted the stories of how they were selected into the programme, describing the process as transparent and merit-based.
Featuring on a phone-in programme on Diamond FM, “E Gbo Wa Ye,” the duo of Lawalson Testimony and Isiak Fasilat who were among the most outstanding fellows from Kwara South and Kwara Central respectively said the transparent process of selection into the programme guaranteed their participation.
Speaking on the selection, Testimony explained that the three best students from his school participated in a series of tests and he was adjudged as the most outstanding by the screening committee.
Testimony further disclosed that parts of his plan were to make a positive impact in his community by sharing hands-on experience acquired on the camp with other youths.
“As taught on the camp, I don’t have to become rich before I can impact my society. I have already started impacting my community as a graphics designer. I have been tutoring people on computer graphics for free,” he said.
On her part, the most outstanding fellow from Kwara Central, Fasilat Isiaq said she was selected based on her performance in the merit-based tests conducted by CELF organisers.
According to her, “CELF really has a positive impact on my life. The programme builds the future in me, and I am confident that I can be great in life despite my background. CELF is an educative and supportive programme that shows concern for the hopeless.”
“I can never forget some of the experiences CELF taught me, and it is my wish to also contribute to the programme whenever I have the means and capacity,” she added.
The Countryside Emerging Leaders Fellowship (CELF) commenced in 2020 as a yearly educational intervention aimed at building the capacity of young people, particularly in rural areas in Kwara State.
Since the commencement of the programme, no fewer than ten most outstanding fellows were awarded scholarships to study courses in public institutions of higher learning.
