The Founder and Executive Director of the SDYEE Initiative, Splendour Ifeoma Onuma, has been officially recognized as an IEP Ambassador by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), Sydney, Australia — after successfully completing the prestigious IEP Ambassador Program on December 15, 2023.
This recognition marks a major milestone in her personal and professional journey as a peacebuilder and advocate for women, youth, and community development. The IEP Ambassador Program is a globally respected initiative that equips select individuals around the world with advanced tools and frameworks to promote peace, reduce violence, and foster positive social change within their communities.
The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) is an independent, non-partisan think tank known globally for producing key research such as the Global Peace Index, Global Terrorism Index, Ecological Threat Report, and Positive Peace Report.
The IEP Ambassador Program engages and educates peace leaders through intensive online training and mentorship focused on the principles of Positive Peace. Ambassadors are selected globally based on their dedication to peacebuilding, innovation, and measurable community impact.
Through the program, Ms. Onuma completed specialized online training modules, undertook the Positive Peace Academy, and delivered a presentation on applying peacebuilding principles to community initiatives.
Speaking on the recognition, Ms. Onuma expressed deep gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using the knowledge gained to further strengthen SDYEE Initiative’s work in Nigeria and across Africa.
“This recognition is not just about me — it’s about every young person, every woman, and every community member we work with. Peace begins when we understand people, build empathy, and take intentional steps to create environments where everyone can thrive,”
— Splendour Ifeoma Onuma, IEP Ambassador & Founder, SDYEE Initiative.
Her completion of this globally respected program reflects SDYEEI’s growing alignment with international development frameworks, especially in promoting peace education, gender equality, youth inclusion, and community resilience.
In the letter issued to Ms. Onuma and signed by Rebecca Pursche, Education Programs Manager at IEP, the institute commended her for her dedication, hard work, and creativity throughout the program.
“You have gained valuable knowledge and skills, and we are confident that you will make a positive impact in your future endeavours as an IEP Ambassador,”
— Rebecca Pursche, Education Programs Manager, IEP.
This global recognition further strengthens SDYEEI’s vision of creating empowered, peaceful, and inclusive communities through education, advocacy, and empowerment programs. The organization continues to build bridges across communities — addressing issues like gender-based violence, youth development, and women empowerment through sustainable and peaceful means.
Ms. Onuma’s new status as an IEP Ambassador will expand SDYEEI’s capacity to collaborate with international networks, access peacebuilding tools, and amplify the organization’s voice in regional and global peace dialogues.
The SDYEE Initiative (Society for the Development of Youths, Empowerment, and Education Initiative) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting education, gender equity, leadership development, and community engagement across Nigeria and Africa. Through its programs and advocacy, the organization empowers young people and women to lead change in their communities while promoting peace and social inclusion.
