Ruhamah Ifere is Our #OnePerson for October
Our #OnePerson for October 2024 is Ruhamah Ifere, an inspiring activist and social entrepreneur from Nigeria. As the founder of Trully Verify Africa, she is dedicated to empowering young people by teaching them how to combat misinformation through digital literacy. In a world where misinformation spreads like wildfire, Ruhamah’s work is crucial for helping the next generation navigate the truth and stand up for a more informed society.
Beyond her work with digital literacy, Ruhamah is also a passionate advocate against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). She leads the Sexual Offences Watch Observers Project (SOWO), a project born out of the tragic rape and murder of Uwa during the COVID-19 pandemic. That heartbreaking event sparked outrage across Nigeria, and Ruhamah responded by launching SOWO to raise awareness and push for action. Since then, she has empowered over 5,000 young people to take a stand against sexual violence, creating ripples of change in their communities.
In 2021, she was selected for the Speak Up Stand Out (SUSO) project, an initiative backed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs through VOICE, which further fuelled her activism. This project gave her a platform to mobilise young people in Lagos State to speak out against gender-based violence, proving that when the youth come together, real change can happen. Ruhamah often shares stories of individuals who have found their voice through her workshops, reinforcing the idea that education and awareness can lead to tangible societal change.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Ruhamah was named one of the Top 25 African Women in Peacebuilding by GalaxyPeace in 2020, and her organisation Trully Verify Africa won second place at the Code for Africa Hackathon in 2023 for its innovative approach to tackling disinformation. She also received the Award of Recognition for Best Individual Development Initiative by JCI Lekki Royale in 2023. These recognitions highlight just how impactful her work has been in shaping more aware and engaged communities.
She’s also the author of “21 Answers to the Volunteers’ Questions,” a guidebook designed to help volunteers find their footing and make meaningful contributions. Her belief that “leaders must first believe in their vision before they can inspire others” drives her advocacy, and she continuously pushes young people to act on their convictions and stand up for what they believe in.
Ruhamah’s passion for social change is reflected in her participation in several global networks, including the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network. She has also been named one of Africa’s most influential young people by Opportunities Hub for her efforts in peacebuilding and youth mobilisation. Looking ahead, Ruhamah plans to expand her outreach efforts and launch new initiatives that further promote digital literacy and social justice across Nigeria.
Her story is a testament to how one person’s commitment to a cause can spark widespread change. As Nigeria continues to face challenges, it is leaders like Ruhamah Ifere who remind us that positive change is possible when we come together to fight for equality and justice. Through her work, she is lighting the way for future generations to build a more peaceful and just world.
