Nigerian Participant of 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship, John Paul Usman Passes On

John Paul Ojaojogwu Usman

A 2016 Mandela Wahington Fellow John Paul Ojaojogwu Usman on Saturday passed on after an accident while hiking near Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he was studying Civic Leadership.

The U.S Mission to Nigeria in a statement said:

We extend our deepest condolences to John Paul’s family and friends over this tragic loss.  John Paul was a rising star, devoted to the causes of sustainable development, children’s rights, and peace building in Nigeria.  His selection to the Mandela Washington Fellowship was a tribute to his drive, talent, and dedication to making his country’s civil society even stronger.

One of John Paul’s professional mentors at Virginia Tech put it best, “While his time with us was short, he was well loved.”  This young man will be remembered fondly as a great citizen ambassador of his country.  We mourn his passing.