Youth Mentorship and Advocacy Initiatives (YMAI) is a youth-focused non-governmental Organization committed to empowering young people through mentorship, leadership development, capacity building, and advocacy. We believe that every young person has potential, and with the right guidance, opportunities, and support, they can become transformational leaders in their communities and beyond.
Guiding principles that drive our mission and define our approach
Clear goals that guide our programs and initiatives
Provide structured mentorship that enables young people to develop essential life skills, self-confidence, and a clear sense of purpose.
Equip youth with leadership and professional competencies needed to excel in academics, careers, entrepreneurship, and community service.
Create safe engagement spaces where young people can freely discuss their challenges, aspirations, and ideas without fear or judgment.
Promote positive values and responsible citizenship through trainings, awareness campaigns, and community-driven initiatives.
Advocate for youth-friendly policies that enhance access to education, economic opportunities, and developmental resources.
Connect young people to opportunities such as trainings, internships, scholarships, and entrepreneurial support platforms.
Encourage community participation by supporting youth-led solutions to local challenges.
Strengthen mental, emotional, and social wellbeing through counseling, peer support, and personal development programs.
Build networks and partnerships with schools, NGOs, institutions, and community leaders for the benefit of young people.
Monitor and evaluate youth development outcomes to ensure continuous improvement of programs and services.
The principles that define who we are and how we operate
We maintain honesty, transparency, and ethical standards in all our actions and relationships.
We are committed to serving youth and communities with dedication, compassion, and excellence.
We listen, understand, and respond to the unique needs and perspectives of every young person.
We believe in the power of partnerships and work together to achieve greater impact.
We embrace creative approaches and continuously seek better ways to serve youth.
We lead with vision, inspire action, and empower others to create positive change.
To inspire, guide, and support young people through mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy.
To build a generation of empowered, purpose-driven young leaders who are equipped to shape a better future for themselves and their society.
Founder
Dr. Wellington Nkemadu is a passionate youth development advocate and founder of YMAI, an organization registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria. His dedication to empowering young people drives YMAI's vision of building capable, confident, and responsible future leaders.
He obtained a B.A. in History (2nd Class Upper Division) from the University of Port Harcourt, where he received the Subject Prize in History and Diplomatic Studies and Professor Nwanna Nzewunwa's Memorial Prize.
In 2005, he was employed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as an Investigator. While at the ICPC, he obtained a Master's degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also obtained a Senior Executive Certificate in Institutional Integrity Management from the University of Hong Kong.
Professional Expertise & Service
Dr. Nkemadu has twenty years' experience and expertise in the investigation of corruption, bribery, money laundering, illicit financial flows (IFF), employment and admission racketeering, project tracking, and other related offences.
He served the ICPC in various strategic roles, including:
• Investigator and Team Leader in General Investigations.
• Head of Special Task Forces and Team Leader for Sting Operations targeting low-level corruption.
• Coordinator of training for ICPC recruits from 2012 to 2023, and a lecturer at the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria.
• Prosecution Witness in several cases across the country.
He served as the Chief Security Officer of the Commission for six years, responsible for developing and implementing security protocols at the Headquarters and State offices. He supervised personnel from the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Fire Service, and managed the Headquarters Detention facility.
Qualifications & Affiliations
He holds a Graduate Membership of the Nigerian Institute of Management, is an Associate Member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, and a Member of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (mnarc). He is also a Doctoral Fellow of the Institute of Leadership Manpower & Management Development (ILMMD).
Dr. Wellington Nkemadu retired from the ICPC after years of dedicated service on November 10, 2025. He is married with children, and enjoys travelling, reading, and watching documentaries.
Our board of trustees is made up of diverse individuals with relevant expertise and requisite field experience to drive the cause of the organisation.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Secretary
Whether you're interested in volunteering, partnering with us, or supporting our programs financially, there are many ways to get involved and help us empower the next generation.