Oyakhilome Foundation Invests $1.5m in 13 Years to Raise Africa’s Next Generation of Youth Leaders
The Oyakhilome Foundation, through its Future Africa Leaders Foundation (FALF), has invested a total of $1.5 million over the past 13 years to strengthen youth leadership and entrepreneurial capacity across Africa, reinforcing its long-term commitment to homegrown development on the continent.
The foundation, an initiative of Loveworld Incorporated sponsored by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has evolved into a continental platform for identifying, mentoring and empowering young Africans whose projects are driving transformation in governance, agriculture, innovation, media, sports and community development.
A member of the Central Executive Council of Loveworld Incorporated, Pastor Tuoyo Temisan, disclosed this on Monday in Lagos at the unveiling of the 2025 Future Africa Leaders Award (FALA) winners and ambassadors.
Temisan said each edition of the award comes with $125,000 in prize money, which beneficiaries deploy to scale their initiatives and deepen impact within their communities. According to him, the 2025 edition attracted 1,210 project entries, from which 30 candidates were shortlisted and 10 finalists eventually emerged as award recipients.
He added that Kenya’s Rejoice Waithera emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 FALA.
Temisan explained that the initiative, fully funded by Pastor Oyakhilome, was established to demonstrate confidence in Africa’s youths and their ability to drive sustainable development.
“The initiative is a launching pad for young African dreams. It has served as a catalyst for global recognition among the continent’s emerging leaders,” he said.
According to him, several past award winners have gone on to influence policy formulation and national development in their respective countries, while also gaining international exposure and partnerships.
He stressed that the award remains inclusive and non-discriminatory, drawing beneficiaries from diverse nationalities and religious backgrounds.
“It is an international award without limitation to nationality or religion. We have had winners from Egypt, South Sudan, Namibia, Benin Republic, Togo and beyond. The impact across these nations has been tremendous,” Temisan said.
Also speaking, the Senior Executive Officer of FALF, Dr. Olajumoke Ola-Akisanya, reaffirmed the foundation’s belief in Africa’s capacity to produce world-class leaders.
“As our founder has affirmed, Africa is one of the most blessed continents on Earth. If we harness what God has placed here, we will not need handouts — we will become a blessing to the world,” she said.
Ola-Akisanya noted that FALF combines investment with mentorship and vision with opportunity through platforms such as the Leaders Initiative Network Africa, aimed at building integrity-driven leadership across the continent.
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“Africa’s hope will not be imported. It will be cultivated by young minds who dare to think differently, collaborate courageously, and lead with integrity,” she added.
The 2025 overall winner, Rejoice Waithera, expressed gratitude to the foundation and its founder for the support and exposure provided throughout the programme, noting that the platform enabled young Africans to showcase their ideas and receive sustained encouragement and recognition.
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