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The Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series (ILERIS) is CITAD’s flagship youth mentorship initiative aimed at connecting young people with accomplished leaders who share not only their successes but also the real challenges, sacrifices, and lessons learned along their journeys. This edition focused on leadership, accountability, youth participation in governance, and personal resilience.
The programme commenced with the arrival of participants at 10:30 AM, followed by the National Anthem. Dr. Eugene from the University of Abuja delivered the welcome address. Mrs. Yesmin Salako Ejiwumi, Team Lead of CITAD Abuja Office, introduced the ILERIS initiative and its purpose.
The highlight of the event was the keynote interactive session delivered by the Guest Speaker, Hajiya Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo, Deputy Country Director and Director of Programmes & Policy at ActionAid Nigeria. With over 28 years of experience in community development, gender justice, humanitarian response, and organisational leadership, Hajiya Suwaiba shared inspiring insights drawn from her remarkable personal and professional journey.
She openly reflected on her early life challenges, noting that she got married at the age of 15. Despite this early marriage and the responsibilities of raising children, she remained determined to pursue her education. She narrated how she balanced the demands of motherhood with academic pursuits, continuing her studies even after giving birth. Through resilience, family support, and personal commitment, she earned multiple advanced degrees, including an MSc in Project Management from the University of Salford (UK), an MSc in Psychology & Islamic Counselling, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Project and Team Management.
Her professional trajectory is equally impressive. She has provided strategic leadership across several countries, serving as Interim Country Representative for ActionAid International Lesotho and Head of Programmes for ActionAid Somaliland. She has managed over 100 projects, mentored numerous women’s groups, championed the rights of women and girls, and led impactful campaigns against radicalization to violent extremism. Rooted in feminist principles and participatory approaches, her story served as a powerful example of transformational leadership and the possibility of breaking barriers regardless of early life circumstances.
The session was highly interactive, with participants engaging in a robust Q&A and reflection segment moderated by Mr. Johnson Maichibi Musa. Students and youth asked questions on leadership, accountability, youth participation in governance, work-life balance, and overcoming societal barriers. The speaker provided practical advice and real-life lessons that resonated deeply with the audience.
The programme concluded with recognition, group photographs, presentation of CITAD publications to the guest speaker, and closing remarks by the MC.
