Oyakhilome Foundation invests $1.5m to boost Africa youths leadership potential
The Future Africa Leaders Foundation (FALF) has invested $1.5 million in 13 years to boost the leadership and entrepreneurial potential in youths across Africa.
The foundation, an initiative of Loveworld Incorporated sponsored by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has become a continental platform for nurturing young changemakers who are driving transformation in their communities.
Pastor Tuoyo Temisan, member, Central Executive Council, Loveworld Incorporated, made this known at the unveiling of the 2025 Future Africa Leaders Award (FALA) winners and ambassadors on Monday in Lagos.
Temisan said that each edition offered $125,000 in prize money, which winners deployed to scale their projects and expand their impact.
He said that the foundation received a total of 1,210 project entries in year 2025.
Temisan said that 30 candidates were shortlisted, and 10 finalists were selected as award recipients, of which Kenya’s Rejoice Waithera emerged as the overall winner.
He said that the initiative, funded by Pastor Oyakhilome, was designed to demonstrate belief in Africa’s youth and their capacity to drive sustainable development across the continent.
According to him, the financial commitment has produced measurable impact, with past winners recording notable achievements in governance, agriculture, innovation, media, sports and community development.
“The initiative is a launching pad for young African dreams. It has served as a catalyst for global recognition among the continent’s emerging leaders.
“It has been a stepping stone for these young people in gaining global recognition. It opens doors to greater opportunities and enables the award winners to expand the impact of their work,” he said
Temisan said that beneficiaries of the award had gone on to influence policy and national development in their respective countries.
He said that the award had also given young Africans global visibility in every areas of their specialisation.
Temisan said that the initiative was inclusive and non-discriminatory, with beneficiaries drawn from diverse nationalities and religious backgrounds.
“It is an international award without limitation to nationality or religion. We have had winners from Egypt, South Sudan, Namibia, Benin Republic, Togo, and beyond. The impact across these nations have been tremendous,” he said.
Also speaking, the Senior Executive Officer of FALF, Dr Olajumoke Ola-Akisanya, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to nurturing homegrown leadership.
“As our founder has affirmed, Africa is one of the most blessed continents on Earth. If we harness what God has placed here, we will not need handouts — we will become a blessing to the world,” Ola-Akisanya said.
She said that FALF combined belief with investment, potential with mentoring, and vision with opportunity, through its mentorship and leadership development platforms, including the Leaders Initiative Network Africa.
“Africa’s hope will not be imported. It will be cultivated by young minds who dare to think differently, collaborate courageously, and lead with integrity,” the SEO said.
The winner of 2025 FALA, Rejoice Waithera, expressed gratitude to the president and founder of the FALF for the opportunity, support and encouragement throughout the programme.
Waithera said that the foundation had provided a significant platform for young people to showcase their projects and achievements, receiving encouragement and recognition weekly.
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