By Eric Elezuo
The Mathias Luka Agbu (MLA) Foundation, formerly known as the Luka Agbu Memorial Foundation, has honoured two budding youths with the prestigious Transformational Leadership Award, as a demonstration of its commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.
The honours were bestowed on the deserving duo during the recently held MLA Transformational Leaders Award 2024; a prestigious recognition of individuals making significant impact in Peace, Education, Youth Empowerment, and Community Development in Taraba State.
Founded in 2008 by Mathias Luka Agbu, the foundation was originally named after his father, Rev. Luka D. Agbu, whose legacy of selfless service continues to inspire generations. Over time, the mission expanded beyond providing educational support to orphans, evolving into a broader initiative that fosters leadership, career growth, and community transformation.
In 2023, the foundation rebranded as MLA Foundation to reflect Mathias’s personal journey and his enduring vision to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
The MLA Transformational Leaders Award was created to recognize outstanding changemakers, both established and emerging, who are driving meaningful progress in their communities. This year’s winners, selected from a pool of exceptional nominees, embody the foundation’s values of leadership, impact, and sustainability.
ERNEST SHALOM
The MLA Transformational Leadership Award was presented to Ernest Shalom, a dedicated youth mentor and social entrepreneur. Over the past six years, Ernest has transformed lives through initiatives such as:
The Motivation Desk (2020): A mentorship partnership with Taraba Business School, impacting over 150 young people.
Youth Making Impact House Meetings: A weekly gathering in Jalingo, where experienced leaders provide career guidance to youths.
Ignite Bootcamp: A youth development programme promoting nation-building and networking opportunities.
Secondary School Outreaches: Academic mentorship and inspirational talks for students across Taraba State.
Agape 360 Humanitarian Project: A social impact initiative supporting orphanages and vulnerable children.Through Youth Making Impact (YMI), Ernest Shalom has demonstrated unwavering dedication to leadership and community development, making him a deserving recipient of the MLA Transformational Leadership Award 2024.
ISRAEL YABKWA
The Emerging Leadership Award was given to Israel Yabkwa, a graduate of Information and Communication Engineering from Covenant University, a young innovator and education advocate whose work is revolutionizing learning.
At just 21 years old, Israel founded Doubleyou Concept Limited, an edtech company pioneering gamified learning through the Doubleyou Quiz App, which has impacted thousands of students.
His contributions to education and youth empowerment also include:
The Technologia Program: A training initiative equipping over 70 youths with digital skills.
Books for Impact: His book, Unmask, which was foreworded by Chief Dele Momodu, and From Isolation to Greatness, have been distributed free to school libraries, inspiring students.
Taraba State Quiz Competition: A major academic contest attracting 500+ participants, gaining national media attention.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with MTN Nigeria, Covenant University, and the American University of Nigeria, expanding his impact.
On receiving the award, Israel delivered a powerful speech, emphasizing that “true leadership is about replication, ensuring that impact does not end with one individual but is passed on, refined, and expanded in others.”
Beyond Recognition: The Impact of the MLA Award
The MLA Transformational Leaders Award goes beyond recognizing achievers, it empowers them. With a ₦250,000 grant, awardees can scale their projects and sustain their impact. The initiative also serves as a platform to highlight unsung heroes, inspiring others to engage in nation-building and community service.
According to Mathias Luka Agbu, the Founder of MLA Foundation, the award is a call to action for all:
“True leadership is not about titles or positions but about impact—the ability to inspire, uplift, and create opportunities for others. As we celebrate these leaders, let us all be reminded that change is a collective effort.”
The 2025 edition of the awards is already in the pipeline, with MLA Foundation planning to introduce new mentorship programmes like the Future Leaders Programme (August 2025), Value-Driven Leaders Seminar (Quarterly), and the Emerging Leaders Conference (December 2025).
Through its unwavering commitment to leadership development, the MLA Foundation continues to shape the future of Taraba State and Nigeria at large, one leader at a time.
