Apply Now: Zamfara Youth Civic Engagement Leadership Programme (ZYCELP) Cohort
Applications are now open for Cohort 3 of the Zamfara Youth Civic Engagement Leadership Programme (ZYCELP). Supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), ZYCELP is a youth-led civic leadership fellowship designed to equip young people in Zamfara State with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to become effective civic leaders and champions of accountability, transparency, and good governance.
If you are a young changemaker looking to move from civic awareness to meaningful action, this programme provides hands-on leadership training, funding opportunities, and high-level policy engagement.
Programme Summary
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Programme Title: Zamfara Youth Civic Engagement Leadership Programme (ZYCELP Cohort 3)
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Supporting Partner: Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF)
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Location: Zamfara State, Nigeria (Open to all 14 Local Government Areas)
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Target Audience: Young indigenes and residents of Zamfara State aged 18 to 35
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Application Deadline: October 5, 2026
Core Activities & Focus Areas
Fellows selected for ZYCELP Cohort 3 will actively participate in:
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Leadership & Civic Engagement: Intensive training in governance, civic responsibility, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Public Accountability: Public budget tracking, government project monitoring, and digital tools for transparency.
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Electoral & Political Engagement: Voter education, issue-based political discourse, electoral debates, and digital accountability scorecards for elected officials.
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Media & Advocacy: Governance podcasts, media appearances, and responsible digital advocacy.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Direct interaction with policymakers, public institutions, and community leaders to foster peaceful and inclusive governance.
Benefits for Selected Fellows
Selected ZYCELP Fellows will gain access to a range of developmental benefits:
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Capacity Building: Intensive leadership workshop and practical civic engagement training.
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Mentorship: Learning opportunities paired with experienced civic leaders, governance practitioners, and experts.
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Grant Funding: Opportunity to compete for up to ₦100,000 in grant support for selected fellow-led election awareness campaigns across LGAs.
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Certification: Official Certificate of Participation upon successful completion.
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Media & Network Exposure: Opportunities for radio, television, and media engagement, alongside entry into the ZYCELP Alumni Network.
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Career Growth: Ongoing guidance on fellowships, scholarships, internships, jobs, and development opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for ZYCELP Cohort 3, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Age: Aged between 18 and 35 years old.
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Residency: Must be an indigene and resident of Zamfara State (across any of the 14 LGAs).
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Interest & Experience: Demonstrated interest or experience in leadership, good governance, advocacy, volunteering, or community development.
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Digital Presence: Active on social media platforms and willing to use digital tools responsibly for civic engagement.
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Availability: Available to participate in a 3-day residential leadership workshop and remain committed to post-training activities and alumni engagements.
Important Application Guidelines
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AI Usage Policy: Applicants are strictly advised not to use AI to generate their application responses. Answers must reflect the applicant’s authentic experiences, ideas, and achievements. AI may only be used for minor grammar or sentence structure corrections.
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Authenticity: Applications containing unoriginal or AI-generated substance will be penalized.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application before the deadline.
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Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements listed above.
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Complete the official online application form.
Click Here to Apply for ZYCELP Cohort 3
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Application Deadline: October 5, 2026