The Abuja Global Shapers Hub was birthed in November 2011 with the Founding Curator Ken Saro-Wiwa who selected its initial three members. Since then it’s been 5 years of learning, growing and shaping our world. From our first major event in September 2012- CONNECT where we gathered about a 100 young professionals from different sectors (to foster a progressive and credible network) to the AMANA Initiative that has impacted over 40,000 people across Northern Nigeria we believe it is time to tell our story. It is a story of commitment, dedication, passion, and vision. It is a story of how we started with a loose idea and built a brand that is indomitable in our city. It is the story of a group of young people who dared to change the negative narrative by showcasing the power of collaboration. In this shaper journey, lifetime friendships have been forged and solid business entities have been established.
The triumph of the Abuja Hub is not only in the incredible highs of the impact of its projects but also in the microcosm of how it operates and the huge odds it defies. We have shown strength in diversity even when our country was fractured along divisive lines. We have shown bold leadership in the face of insecurity and been on the frontlines of rebuilding our communities when terrorist elements attacked our city. We have used the power of technology and shown creativity and imagination in harnessing resources to ensure we not only survive as a hub but also thrive as individuals.
These intimate stories woven through the lives of the individual shapers will be captured in a coffee-table book that we plan to launch in November 2016. In the same vein, we would use the book launch to celebrate our 5-year anniversary and our journey thus far. We are planning a prestigious event that captures the spirit, drive, and energy of our hub. The event will be anchored on our 3-focus areas- Entrepreneurship, Education and Collaboration and we’ll be recognizing innovative ideas across those sectors. We will invite key dignitaries and hope to have in attendance our amazing Community Managers and the extraordinary man whose idea started it all- Professor Klaus Schwab.
