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By Chinenye Anuforo
The desire for a better world where positive change ripples through communities and transforms systems is a universal human aspiration. It is a yearning that fuels the work of changemakers, those individuals driven to tackle society’s most pressing challenges. This pursuit of positive change took centre stage at the Ashoka Everyone a Changemaker (EACH) Legacy Convening in Lagos, last week, where changemakers, social entrepreneurs, and community leaders gathered to strategize, collaborate and inspire.
The event served as a powerful reminder that impactful change is not just about identifying problems, it is also about actively crafting solutions, celebrating successes and working together to build a brighter future.
At the heart of the convening was a call for action echoed by Dr. Uju Agomoh, founder/director of Prison Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), a security, justice, and development NGO with initiatives across Africa. Agomoh’s powerful message resonated deeply with attendees, emphasizing the urgent need to shift focus from negativity and amplify the positive work being done across the continent. “If each and every one of us comes intentional as to how we identify the problems and challenges we encounter and develop solutions, imagine if everybody is doing that,” she stated, painting a vivid picture of the transformative potential of collective action.
She challenged participants to move beyond simply complaining about problems and embrace the role of active solution developers. Agomoh envisioned the convening as a strategic meeting, empowering participants to explore how to expand their work, inspire future generations, ensure sustainability, and ultimately transform their efforts into a global and continental movement. Sharing a personal anecdote about the growth of the Alternative to Violence Project (AVP) in West Africa, an initiative she founded in 1998, she illustrated the long-lasting impact of even seemingly small actions, a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication.
Her recent recognition by Ashoka as a potential senior leader served as further inspiration, underscoring the idea that consistent effort, even when seemingly unnoticed, can have a profound effect. She spoke passionately about the transformation of PRAWA, which she started at the age of 24, as a source of immense joy and expressed excitement for its future growth and impact.
She also addressed the need for continuous improvement, particularly in refining the various levels of exchange and mechanisms within initiatives like the young changemakers movement and school programmes. Agomoh affirmed the need for ongoing development and refinement at all levels, a sentiment shared by many at the convening.
The EACH Legacy Convening wasn’t just about Agomoh’s inspiring message. It was a platform for a broader conversation about change-making, featuring addresses from Angelou Ezeilo, Co-President of Ashoka Africa and CTEACH Director, and Okey Uzoechina, co-leader of Ashoka Africa.
Ezeilo highlighted the event’s mission to create a ripple effect of empowerment. “If one person believes and understands they can make change, they can then inspire their colleagues. That is how we build a movement,” she said.
She envisioned this movement extending beyond Nigeria, reaching across Africa and the globe, equipping individuals with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Uzoechina emphasized the importance of equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive. “When I think of legacy, the first thing that comes to my mind is, how do we give the best gift to the younger generation?” he asked. He foresees a transformed Africa where everyone is empowered to contribute meaningfully to their communities, starting with Nigeria.
The event also celebrated a generation of African social entrepreneurs who are driving systemic change in areas such as health, education, environmental protection, and human welfare. Bill Carter, a senior leader at Ashoka, praised these changemakers for their innovative approaches to addressing root causes rather than symptoms.
“They have done it with their new ideas, which they have basically figured out how to make this change that will benefit when we change the way that systems operate,” Carter explained.
By connecting these leaders with their counterparts worldwide, Ashoka fosters a global network of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, accelerating the pace of positive change.
Among the attendees was Cecile Ndjebet, a Cameroonian environmental and women’s rights activist, who hopes to join the ranks of Ashoka Fellows. Ndjebet, who coordinates a network spanning 20 African countries, sees Ashoka’s support as crucial to expanding her work.
“Ashoka is a great movement. I think it will really help bring about change. We need young people and women at the table, and only together, as Ashoka promotes, can we make it happen,” she said.
Her vision aligns with Ashoka’s mission to empower changemakers and build a more inclusive and equitable future.
The Ashoka EACH Legacy Convening has set the stage for a powerful movement, one that celebrates successes, fosters collaboration, and inspires action. As Agomoh aptly puts it, “imagine if everybody is doing that.”
With leaders like her at the helm, the future of Africa looks brighter than ever. The convening serves as a reminder that change is not only possible but already underway, driven by the collective efforts of those who dare to dream of a better world.
English (US) ·