Dr. Stephanie E. Effevottu is a researcher and development practitioner with a doctorate in History (Development Studies) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She currently lectures at the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre. Her research interests span interdisciplinary areas, including religion, peacebuilding, migration, youth, gender, and sexuality studies. She has contributed significantly to discourse in these areas through academic publications and community-based projects. Aside from her academic engagement, she is a global youth leader and peacebuilding practitioner committed to advancing women and youth empowerment. She possesses over eight years of experience in non-governmental organisation (NGO) settings, which have enabled her to gain an insight into advancing development solutions to fostering engagement in peace, security, and development issues.
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Zigwai Tagwai is a development professional and humanitarian activist focused on issues relating to public policy, gender, civic participation, and peacebuilding. She holds a Master in International Affairs and Diplomacy, a bachelor degree in International Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, and a certificate in Public Leadership and policy from the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG). Zigwai is the founder of Zaza Development Initiative, a non-governmental, non-political, and not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating a sustainable Africa through civic education, mentorship, capacity building, advocacy, and community engagement. She is an alumna of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Emerging Leaders Program and the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the flagship program of the U.S. Government. She is a Rotary Positive Peace Activator promoting sustainable peace, a member of Generation Democracy and Women Democracy Network. She also served as a mentor/coach for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellowship program, a Federal Government of Nigeria initiative co-funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Women’s Policy Action Lab an Initiative of the Office of the Speaker House of Representative and Gender Mobile Initiative.