Category: Blog

ALIWA Class V Fellow (Karfi Kuo) and Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, is taking on one of Nigeria’s most urgent public health crises – maternal health. Under his leadership, the NHIA has launched an emergency maternal care program that ensures women arriving at hospitals with pregnancy complications receive immediate treatment, with no upfront payment required.

Since the program launched in October 2024, nearly 40,000 women have benefited; women who arrived with life-threatening emergencies like severe bleeding or complications requiring cesarean sections, and were treated free at the point of service while the NHIA reimbursed hospitals directly.

But Kelechi’s vision extends beyond emergency cover. He is reshaping how healthcare financing works in Nigeria by tying hospital payments to quality standards, deploying compliance officers, digitising accreditation assessments, and expanding insurance enrolment by 34% to 21.7 million Nigerians between 2023 and 2025. 

Read more about Kelechi’s work to improve maternal healthcare here.

---

Nigeria has never had a shortage of creativity. What it has lacked is a system to protect and monetise it. Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment and ALIWA Fellow (Class VI – Nkyinkyim), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, is leading a decisive shift, repositioning intellectual property as critical economic infrastructure, and not merely a legal concern.

The National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS) is now in active implementation, with inter-ministerial committees driving execution and alignment with Nigeria’s AfCFTA obligations, and Jumoke has said the reforms proposed will help the country capture real value in its “untapped” creative economy, which is being primed to contribute an ambitious $100 billion to GDP by 2030.

Read more about the ambitious National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS) here.

 

In 2025, Ibrahim Mahama, ALIWA Fellow Class VI (Nkyinyim), became the first African artist to top ArtReview’s Power 100, the art world’s most influential annual ranking, a landmark moment not just for Ghana, but for the continent and us at ALIWA. He described the honour as a testimony to generations of African curators and artists who fought to expand the world’s understanding of what art is and can be.

Ibrahim’s story is remarkable not only for how far he has risen, but for how he’s intentionally creating impact. Rather than relocating to the galleries and auction houses that celebrate him, he channeled his success into building cultural institutions in Tamale, spaces that today offer thousands of young people free access to art, technology, and creative education. He is not just redefining African art on the global stage; he is ensuring the next generation has the foundation to do the same.

Read about how Ibrahim is shaping the future of African art here.

Bright Simons, ALIWA Fellow (Class V – Karfi Kuo), through his role on the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Development, is helping to shape a bold rethinking of how global aid and cooperation should function in a rapidly shifting world.

In a recent co-authored article, he argues that the traditional architecture of international aid is no longer fit for purpose; strained by declining resources, fragmented interventions, and a growing disconnect from the realities of the Global South.

Read the full article here.

In Asante Akyem South, a long-standing gap in school infrastructure is finally being addressed, thanks in part to the intervention of Bice Osei Kuffour (Obour), ALIWA Fellow (Class IV – Muje Ghangeria), through his ALIWA venture, the Christiana Addo Memorial Foundation (CAMF). Last quarter, the Foundation made a significant contribution towards completing the Juaso-Yawkei Junior High School block, responding to a pressing need within the community.

The intervention, delivered in collaboration with the Assembly Member, Mr. Alhassan Abdulai, and supported by traditional authorities and community leaders, reflects a coordinated, community-led approach to impact.

Presenting the donation to the Headmistress of Yawkei JHS, Obour reiterated his Foundation’s belief in education as a powerful driver of long-term community development and social mobility, reinforcing the intent behind the initiative.

Read more about Obuor’s donation here.

Amina Oyagbola, ALIWA Fellow (Class II – Totum Bonum), continues to shape the future of leadership in Nigeria through her ALIWA venture, Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), championing the intentional rise of women into executive and boardroom positions. This quarter, WISCAR graduated eleven senior professionals from its flagship WIN 3 Mentoring Program, its highest-tier initiative designed to prepare career women for C-suite and enterprise leadership roles.

The cohort brought together accomplished women from sectors including finance, professional services, technology, and telecommunications, who, over the course of the programme, engaged deeply with board-level mentors, immersive leadership simulations, and peer learning designed to sharpen their strategic thinking and influence.

The graduation itself reflected WISCAR’s strong culture of community and shared growth, opening with a simple but powerful moment of reflection as participants shared words that defined their journey. In her remarks, Advisory Board member and Executive Director, Operations at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs. Funke Amobi, encouraged the cohort to carry forward this spirit of excellence and remain anchored in the strength of the WISCAR network.

Read more about how WISCAR is building sustainable leadership pipelines for African women here.

---

Are you a young Nigerian looking to build in-demand digital skills, grow a business, or increase your employability or access to remote job opportunities?

Do you want to tap into the opportunities of the digital economy but lack the right training or support?

Then this opportunity is for you.

The Africa Leadership Initiative – West Africa (ALIWA) is partnering with the Mastercard Foundation and Digital Opportunity Trust to provide Leadership and Digital Skills training for underrepresented Nigerian youth.

About the Program

We are excited to launch a transformative Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Digital Skills for Employability Project, designed to equip underrepresented Nigerian youth, especially with the critical skills needed to thrive in today’s digital-first world.

The program is a 4-month virtual skills-based training, designed to position beneficiaries for employability and subsequent financial independence through the acquisition of leadership, entrepreneurial, and relevant digital skills.

This program focuses on:

• Leadership & Personal Development
• Entrepreneurship & Business Growth Strategies
• In-Demand Digital Skills, including Data Analysis, Digital Marketing, and Virtual Assistance for remote work

The program combines training, mentorship, and practical projects to help participants either secure employment, start or grow their business, or become competitive in the remote job market.

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for passionate and determined individuals who meet any of the following criteria:

• Unemployed young Nigerians aged 18–35 seeking new job opportunities or skills to remain competitive in the digital job market.
• Women and under-represented groups, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
• People in rural or hard-to-reach areas
• Individuals who need digital skills for remote work due to limited local opportunities
• Indigent but driven young people who want to leverage digital tools to build or scale their businesses.

Benefits of being part of the Program

• Free Access to high-quality digital skills training, including Data Analysis, Digital Marketing, and Virtual Assistant courses
• Insightful entrepreneurship and leadership sessions
• Mentorship from industry professionals
• Certificate of completion
• Access to job and internship opportunities

Mode of Training

The training will be conducted online, ensuring access regardless of your location – whether you’re in a city or a rural community.

Application Deadline:

Friday, 8th November, 2025

How to Apply:

Click the link below to fill out the application form:

https://forms.gle/HsgdELKpEMwmNsep9

Selection Process

This is a highly competitive program. Participants will be selected based on passion, commitment, and potential impact. Priority will be given to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds or locations.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps.

For Enquiries:

For more information, please contact: programsng@ali-wa.net or call +234 803 985 8952

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your future and take your first step toward digital empowerment!

Apply now and transform your future!