African Youth Development Foundation Young Spirit Foundation

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

My name is Hon. Remy Chukwunyere. I am the Executive Director of African Youth Development Foundation (AFRYDEF), an NGO that was established in Nigeria in 1999, with a mission to cost-effectively empower young people choose a better future for themselves within a society that enables positive social changes through facilitating sustainable youth and rural development initiatives in Africa.

I am a graduate of Biochemistry from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State and have had several training and certificates in leadership, conflict resolution, peace building, youth development, HIV/AIDS prevention training, power speaking and community advocacy.

Between 2004 and 2007, I was appointed into a government position as the Executive Secretary of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Council, Imo State, Nigeria, one of the oil producing areas of the country. As the Head of the Policy Department in the Council, I was responsible for monitoring the activities of the five departments in the council. As the Chief Political Adviser to the Council Chairman as well as the Secretary of the Local Government Council Security Committee, I mediated in various conflict situations in the highly volatile oil area. I also convened monthly security meetings in the council and forwarded LG security reports and recommendations to the State Governor. I was responsible for maintaining the peace of the LGA, and liasing with community leaders including traditional rulers in successfully implementing council projects in their communties.

In April, 2007, I returned back to AFRYDEF, where I continued my leadership role as the Executive Director of the NGO, which has been collaborating with a number of organizations in meeting the needs of young people, children and women in Nigeria.