Mfon Blessed Etim is the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Programme Assistant at the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD). In this role, she supports the effective delivery of donor-funded projects across thematic areas, including Women Inclusion, Decolonization, Education, Natural Resource Governance, and Youth Empowerment. She also coordinates the Centre LSD Leadership School and leads the Centre’s youth arm, Young Ambassadors for Development (YAD), a vibrant platform empowering young Nigerians to champion inclusive development through advocacy, innovation, and capacity building.
Since joining Centre LSD in 2021 as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Mfon has advanced from Programme Intern to her current role. She has played a key role in enhancing project performance and accountability through data-driven MEL systems and tools. She has also contributed to the design and execution of high-impact initiatives such as the Malala Fund’s C-CAGE Education Project, the Ford Foundation-funded BUILD+4 project, and the USAID-supported SCALE programme. Her responsibilities include deploying MEL tools, analyzing project data, documenting results, and managing knowledge products that inform policy and practice.
Mfon also manages the Centre LSD Leadership School, having overseen the graduation of over 100 middle-level professionals and currently coordinating a cohort of 200. As Young Ambassadors for Development (YAD) Coordinator, she drives youth-focused campaigns and discussions focused on youth development, climate action, and inclusive governance.
With over four years of cross-sectoral experience in development programming, data analytics, and media advocacy, Mfon began her career in radio broadcasting, supporting education-focused and socially inclusive community programming. Her transition into the development space blends her computer science background with a passion for grassroots impact.
She is a certified Data Analyst, having completed the Google Data Analytics Professional Certification, and is a member of the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (Chartered). Mfon holds a Higher National Diploma in Computer Science from Dorben Polytechnic, Abuja, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Disaster Risk Management at the same university.
Mfon is committed to girl child education and is known for her strengths in public speaking, stakeholder engagement, and translating data into actionable insights. Her work reflects a powerful intersection of advocacy, innovation, and measurable impact.
Beyond her professional role, Mfon is passionate about youth empowerment and digital inclusion. She enjoys networking and applying digital innovation to solve real-world challenges.
