Several and diverse stories come out of the Niger Delta area of Nigeria covering various issues with the most reoccurring ones around; the vandalization in the oil and gas sector, community issues, kidnapping and lots of other stories that cast a negative shadow on this richly endowed geographical area. While this narrative seems to be the image which is portrayed to the world about the Niger Delta Region, there is still some good left in this region and we think these stories ought to be told.
A week ago we shone the spotlight on Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu founder of a non-profit agriculture focused organization known as the Small Holders Foundation . This week, we bring you;
GRACE IHEJIAMAZU
Ever wondered what it would feel like to wear so many hats all at once, well you do not have to anymore because Grace Ihejiamazu is a classic example of one. She is an avid social entrepreneur, a lecturer at the University of Calabar, the founder of RYPE (raising young and product entrepreneurs), IKapture Networks and chief editor at opportunity desk.
This sociology graduate of the University of Calabar was also one of the three Global Change makers who were selected to represent Nigeria at the British Council ‘Euro-Africa Youth Summit (EAYS) 2012’ in Brussels,June 2012. Prior to that, she served as the Project Director of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) as an undergraduate.
Grace has several local and international awards and recognition by various governments and agencies such as an award from the US State Department as the ‘International Exchange Alumni Member of the Month for September 2012, recognition from Google as one of Google’s brightest young minds in 2011 and she was also honored as the Future Awards Africa Young person of the Year.
Accolades for this enterprising young lady could take forever to accord but most important of all the work she has done is that which she is currently doing in the Niger Delta. Her project Ikapture-a youth-led ICT based after school program that provides solutions to youth and educational challenges. The program equips youths within the ages of 15-25 with relevant skills to enable them cope with the increasingly competitive environment.
Know any amazing influencers working to change the Niger Delta region? Then please send a mail to chinwe@startupnigeria.net. We would love to profile and celebrate such an individual.
image credit:konnectafrica.net
