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Athena Centre Launches 2026 Junior Fellowship to Groom Next Generation of Policy Leaders
Athena Centre Launches 2026 Junior Fellowship to Groom Next Generation of Policy Leaders
By: Michael Mike
The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership has officially announced the commencement of its 2026 Athena-Anchoria Junior Fellowship Programme, marking a significant step in efforts to nurture young leaders in governance and public policy across Nigeria.
The programme, which began on April 25, 2026 in Abuja, is being delivered in partnership with Anchoria Advisory Services Limited.
Speaking on the initiative, the firm’s Managing Director and CEO, Sam Chidoka, emphasized the long-term vision behind the fellowship, noting that investing in capable young minds is essential to shaping Nigeria’s policy future.
A statement on Monday by the Centre, read that following a rigorous nationwide selection process, 14 exceptional young Nigerians were admitted into the 2026 cohort. The fellows were chosen based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to governance and public policy.
The cohort reflects a broad national spread, drawing participants from all six geopolitical zones. Representatives from the Southeast include Kosisochukwu Praise Bosah, Adaobi Patience Ayogu, and Daniel Kelechi Nnamani. From the Southwest are Ezekiel Adeshina Adebisi and Eunice Iyanuoluwa Olasunkanmi, while the South-South is represented by Angelica Onagiekhuwemhe Enegbuma and Shedrack James Owen.
The Northwest contingent comprises Yahaya Abubakar, Hassan Suleiman Haruna, and Rashida Bafashi Abubakar. From the Northeast are Gabriel Mohammed Shuwa and Mohammed Baba Kale, while the North-Central zone is represented by Augustina Enuwa Abakpa and Muhammad Saheed Afodun.
According to the statement, participants come from diverse academic backgrounds, including political science, law, mass communication, medicine, and other science-based disciplines. The group consists of undergraduates, postgraduate students, and early-career professionals drawn from top Nigerian universities.
The six-month fellowship is designed as a leadership and policy development programme aimed at building a pipeline of reform-oriented leaders. It will begin with virtual learning sessions, followed by sustained engagement and mentorship, and conclude with an intensive in-person session.
Through structured training, mentorship, and hands-on policy engagement, fellows will gain practical insights into governance challenges and institutional reform strategies.
The launch of the 2026 cohort reinforces the Athena Centre’s commitment to strengthening policy capacity and developing a new generation of leaders equipped to drive meaningful change in Nigeria.
Athena Centre Launches 2026 Junior Fellowship to Groom Next Generation of Policy Leaders
Troops arrest suspected foreign national along Azir–Damboa road in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 25 Brigade, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected foreign national along the Azir–Damboa road in Borno State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:55 p.m. on Sept. 5 following a tip-off from local residents about the movement of a suspected foreigner along the route.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect reportedly identified himself as a national of the Republic of Cameroon.
He told the troops that he entered Nigeria through Taraba State and was travelling towards Niger State in search of artisanal work but lost his way.
The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation and necessary action, while authorities work to establish his identity, travel history and circumstances surrounding his presence in the area.
Troops arrest suspected foreign national along Azir–Damboa road in Borno
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member with gunshot wound in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion have arrested a suspected ISWAP member who was found loitering around Papa 7 location in Borno State.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 9:35 a.m. on Sept. 6 while troops were conducting picketing duties in the area.
The suspect was found with a gunshot wound and was taken into custody for questioning.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspect had descended from Gava in the Mandara Mountains in search of medical attention.
Sources attributed his movement to the effects of sustained military pressure and psychological operations targeting terrorist enclaves in the area.
The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation, while security forces continue operations aimed at degrading terrorist groups and disrupting their activities in the Mandara Mountains.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member with gunshot wound in Borno
Investigation begins as SNCO dies after shooting incident at Kuje custodial centre
By Zagazola Makama
Authorities have commenced an investigation into a shooting incident involving a senior non-commissioned officer at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:37 a.m. on Sept. 7 while the personnel was on duty at the facility.
According to the sources, the SNCO fired at his commanding officer, but the shot missed after the officer moved away.
The SNCO subsequently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and an investigation has been launched to establish what led to the shooting.
The remains of the deceased personnel were evacuated to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) for further action.
Authorities are expected to provide additional details as the investigation progresses.
Investigation begins as SNCO dies after shooting incident at Kuje custodial centre
Troops arrest suspected foreign national along Azir–Damboa road in Borno
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member with gunshot wound in Borno
Investigation begins as SNCO dies after shooting incident at Kuje custodial centre
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