CELF 2020: Participants Recount Experience, Says Process Transparent, Merit-based

CELF Convener, Mal Lawal Olohungbebe and the 2020 CELF Fellows (Lawalson Testimony and Isiak Fasilat)

Two fellows of the maiden edition of the Countryside Emerging Leaders Fellowship (CELF) have recounted the stories of how they were selected into the programme, describing the process as transparent and merit-based.

This disclosure was made in a statement made available to our medium by CELF spokesperson, Abdulrasheed Saadudeen.

The duo of Lawalson Testimony and Isiak Fasilat who were among the most outstanding fellows from Kwara South and Kwara Central respectively, while being Featured on a phone-in programme on Diamond FM, "E Gbo Wa Ye," admits that the transparent process of selection into the programme guaranteed their participation.

Speaking on the selection, Testimony explained that three best students from his school participated in a series of test and he was adjudged as the most outstanding by the screening committee. 

Testimony further disclosed that parts of his plan was to make a positive impact in his community by sharing hands-on experience acquired on the camp with other youths.

Testimony goes further by aligning with the words of admonishment as taught on the camp, that "one don't have to become rich before one can impact the society".

And he said that has been his watch word and so far he has already started impacting his community as a graphics designer. I have been tutoring people on computer graphics for free," he added.

On her part, the most outstanding fellow from Kwara Central, Fasilat Isiaq said she was selected based on her performance in the merit-based tests conducted by CELF organisers.

Fasilat added by saying;  "CELF really has positive impact on my life. The programme build the future in me, and I am confident that I can be great in life despite my background. CELF is an educative and supportive programme that shows concern for the hopeless."

"I can never forget some of the experiences CELF  taught me, and it is my wish to also contribute to the programme whenever I have the means and capacity," she said.

The Countryside Emerging Leaders Fellowship (CELF) commenced in 2020 as a yearly educational intervention aimed at building the capacity of young people, particularly in rural areas in Kwara State. 

Since commencement of the programme, no fewer than ten most outstanding fellows were awarded scholarships to study courses in public institutions of higher learning.