Independent (Jeremiah Genesis Ezra)

My name is Jeremiah Genesis Ezra. I am a community development advocate, digital strategist, and social innovator from Jalingo, Nigeria. Over the past six years, I have led several youth-driven initiatives aimed at promoting access to digital skills, social impact storytelling, and inclusive development across underserved communities in Nigeria. As the Curator of the Global Shapers Community Jalingo Hub a World Economic Forum initiative, I lead local efforts that focus on civic engagement, digital inclusion, and youth empowerment. I also serve as the Chapter Director for Startup Grind Jalingo, where I support early-stage entrepreneurs by curating learning events, building networks, and fostering innovation. Through these roles, I have successfully organised community dialogues, upskilling boot camps, and tech-for-good projects that have reached thousands of young people, both online and offline. I am the founder of Sahel Stories, a storytelling platform that amplifies the voices and innovations of young changemakers across Africa. I also run initiatives such as the Taraba Social Media Festival, which has brought together over 2,700 in-person participants and 3,000 virtual attendees since 2021, creating a vibrant space for dialogue, creativity, and community-driven problem-solving. In 2024, I was selected to represent my region at the Global Shapers Annual Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, a testament to my commitment to global collaboration and grassroots transformation. I’ve also led learning sessions and workshops for international youth networks and NGOs focused on innovation, sustainability, and equity. Mission My mission is to empower young Africans to become catalysts of change by equipping them with the skills, platforms, and support they need to lead purpose-driven initiatives in their communities. I believe in the transformative power of storytelling, technology, and civic participation as tools for social justice and inclusive development. Vision I envision a connected and empowered Africa where young people, particularly those from rural and underserved regions, are at the forefront of innovation, governance, and development. My long-term goal is to build ecosystems that nurture talent, celebrate local narratives, and unlock pathways to prosperity for all.