By Nkechi Eze
In a move set to bolster youth and women empowerment across Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, has formally accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Free Light of Nigerian Youth Foundation (FLONY).
FLONY, a youth-led non-governmental organisation with operations in over 18 states, has impacted more than 10,000 beneficiaries since its inception, offering skills acquisition, capacity-building, and advocacy programmes aimed at empowering young people and women.
During a courtesy visit to CISLAC’s Head Office, FLONY Founder Ambassador Farid Musa Jauro described Rafsanjani’s appointment as both strategic and timely, highlighting his decades-long commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of young Nigerians and Africans. She noted that his wealth of experience in governance, transparency advocacy, and youth development would provide clear guidance as the organisation consolidates its programmes and expands its reach.
Acting Secretary General of FLONY, Alhaji Aminu Lawal Usman, expressed appreciation to Rafsanjani and the CISLAC team for accepting advisory roles, stressing that their involvement would open new opportunities for growth and partnerships. “With the coming of Comrade Rafsanjani, we believe the foundation will benefit immensely from his expertise to do even more for Nigerians and Africans at large,” Usman said.
In his acceptance remarks, Rafsanjani commended FLONY for its steadfast commitment to youth and women empowerment, often achieved without reliance on external funding. He praised Ambassador Jauro’s leadership and urged the organisation to maintain non-partisanship and political independence to sustain credibility and neutrality.
Rafsanjani also emphasised the importance of proper documentation of activities, strategic partnerships with individuals of proven integrity, and the attraction of credible supporters aligned with FLONY’s vision. He challenged the foundation to champion policy advocacy in key areas, including employment generation, poverty reduction, youth and women empowerment, and national security, asserting that civil society organisations must proactively address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
The renewed collaboration between CISLAC and FLONY is expected to strengthen advocacy efforts, enhance youth-focused programming, and promote sustainable development initiatives across Nigeria and beyond, heralding a new chapter of impactful engagement and leadership in civil society.
