AdamStart, a UK based non-profit organisation has aunched an emergency fund with $10,000 to support young people in Nigeria following demand for the proscription of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
“One of Her Majesty the Queen’s Queens Young Leaders and a fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society, tweeted, “Today, myself and http://AdamStart.com’s Africa lead Benson Ekpo have launched an emergency fund to support activism & youth initiatives countering the SARS destruction. I have pledged $10,000 today to launch the fund. Who is with me to shine these youth brighter? #EndSARS,” CEO AdamStart, Adams Bradford tweeted.
“To apply, get involved, or donate, visit http://adamstart.com. We will begin assessing projects from Tuesday,” he said.
Support For Protesting Nigerian Youths
AdamStart also expressed support for protesting Nigerian youths.
“I am not happy with the UK Government’s response,” he said. “If we as Commonwealth cannot do something to help our COMMON asset, youth, then international diplomacy is in the trash can. UK — I’m waiting on you too.”
The statement also made it known that Adam also has expressed displeasure at the response of the UK government and has further gone ahead to write a letter to Boris Johnson, Prime Minister, and former Foreign Secretary, copied to President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, calling for rapid change.
“As someone who has worked actively in Africa on programs to develop young people and bring about further opportunities, I think it is only right that I use my platform to share my honest experiences and observations to bring about change. I do not take that platform for granted either, I have worked for it and I will use it for whatever good is sought wherever that may be,” the letter reads in part.
“You will note this weekend that young people in Nigeria are unhappy and are protesting, calmly, and with purpose. In London, diasporans follow them. This is because of the brutality and unwarranted targeting, some of which I have been witness to, a lot of which has happened to friends and colleagues, by the SARS division of the police force.
“I am writing to enquire as to a global citizen, representing fellow humans, who have the same rights to life and opportunities as anyone else — how can we allow this to happen in the 21st century?
“You do not need me to tell you about the past. I can tell you about the future — it will be dark if we do not do anything about this. Should I have to hear my friend tell me about when he was held almost at gunpoint because he was intelligent and successful enough to have an iPhone? Do I need to be in the back of a car in Lagos with an officer interrogating a group of my friends over their looks? To me, this treatment has gone beyond lawless, it is simply inhumane.
“We all have a collective responsibility as leaders to protect each other and give hope. What are both countries doing, as international allies, members of the Commonwealth, to end this?
“I will happily share thousands of case studies of Nigerians who have gone against the circumstances they were forced into to become people the world can be proud of. I am looking forward to your response.”
Started in 2010, Adam’s annual enterprise programme ‘AdamStart’ which encourages young entrepreneurs to step forwards for Adam’s personal support with their business ideas was backed by Secretary of State for Business and Energy Greg Clarke in 2016 and the UK Prime Minister as well as leading organisations such as the British Council.
How To Apply
The fund is open to all creative activists of Nigerian descent living in Nigeria. It is therefore calling on all creators, innovators, and changemakers with problem solving ideas and solutions that do not incite civil unrest, to apply, by emailing hello@adamstart.com with the subject #FSARS SOLUTION for a chance to be considered. All Ideas submit must meet the following criterias:
- Idea must be original and be championed by a Nigerian living in Nigeria.
- Applicant must be a young person as founder (age must be between 18–35 years)
- Ideas must be innovative with a clear sustainability plan.
- Candidates must be ambitious and highly motivated.
- Ideas that incite any form of civil unrest will be automatically disqualified
- Ideas must be affordable, quick and easy to implement.
BENEFITS
- Access to capital funding from the emergency fund.
- 3 Months of support and mentoring.
- PR and Marketing support package.
- Furthermore, access to the AdamStart global network of leaders.