Youth Leadership Summit in Nigeria

Just a week ago the 4th Biennial Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA) Conference, held in Nigeria, came to a close. YALDA, whose goal is to provide a "forum for the youth on the African continent and those abroad with a commitment to the welfare of Africa," chose the theme "Innovation and Creativity for a Better Africa: Implementing Your Dreams" as the focus of this year's gathering. We are privileged to have featured on our upcoming program of Youth Initiatives an interview with two participants in this year's YALDA conference – Mani, Joseph Muya, from Kenya, and Dr. Boidun Awosusi from Nigeria.

Mani, Joseph Muya is a Kenyan student at United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in International relations, concentrating on peace and conflicts studies, and doing a minor in psychology. I am also very involved in youth activities and also in YALDA, the Deputy Executive Director of YALDA at USIU-A in Kenya.

Dr. Biodun Awosusi is an international freelance writer and medical doctor with a passion for intercultural integration and international cooperation. He is a LEAP Africa Alumnus and XCEL Ambassador who has participated in trainings for leadership, entrepreneurship, and youth development, where he has spoken on "facilitating development through entrepreneurship." Dr. Awosusi is also proud to have been able to present renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson with the "Distinguished Personality Award" when he visited Nigeria in 2009. Dr Awosusi holds a Bachelor's Degree in Medicine and Surgery from Obafemi Awolowo University and has read topics of Open Courses offered by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He practices in IIe-ife, Osun State, Nigeria.