I established LEAP in May 2002 based on two personal convictions:

First, that Africa desperately needed a new generation of visionary, ethical, creative and disciplined servant leaders. Second, that a small group of people who shared the same vision could work together to change their communities, countries and indeed the world.

Over the years, we have not quite transformed Africa, West Africa, Nigeria or even Lagos. However, thanks to our growing army of committed change agents, we have lit a fire in the hearts and minds of young people, business owners and social entrepreneurs across the Continent. Many have in turn commenced change efforts, starting with their own lives, and then gradually expanding their efforts to their families, companies and communities.

In addition, LEAP has pioneered curriculum on leadership, succession planning and ethics in the region, and created a new body of research and publications which have set the standard for dialogue and training on these topics. Not satisfied with reaching hundreds of people per year, we have initiated a very successful train the trainer (TOT) program for teachers in secondary schools, equipping them with the skills, tools and support to provide our Leadership, Civics and Ethics programs to young people across Nigeria. Similarly, we have started the process of scaling up our Business Leadership Programme through a TOT for SME consultants, policy makers and trade associations.

Beyond our programmes and initiatives, LEAP has invested significantly in its sustainability. We operate out of our own building in Lagos, have created an endowment and have established formal relationships with partners across Africa. I am truly proud of the strides that LEAP Africa has made over the years. I can only attribute our results to the grace of God, a truly exceptional Board, a dedicated team and our visionary and committed funders.

As an African woman, who has written and taught countless entrepreneurs about succession planning, I am really proud to have formally handed over the leadership of LEAP to two terrific women - Mosun Layode, our Executive Director and Ngozi Obigwe our Chief Operating Officer. Both of these women have been an important part of LEAP's history, and I am so delighted that they are leading LEAP into a bright future. Our work is not done! In fact, we have only scratched the surface of Africa's leadership challenge. However, I am more convinced today than I was at our inception, that in our life time, with your continued support, we will inspire, empower and equip a new generation of principled, disciplined and creative leaders who will transform Nigeria, West Africa and indeed the Continent of Africa.

From
Ndidi Nwuneli