By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY — In a strategic move to cultivate the next wave of visionary leaders, renowned advocate Mrs. Bunmi Onilude has announced the launch of an intensive Youth Leadership Training program. Set to take place every Friday throughout the month of March 2026, the initiative aims to transform teenagers and young adults into confident, value-driven influencers.
The training will be hosted at the Centre for Youth Integrated Development (CYID), located at the Marina in Badagry, Lagos State. Speaking with News Peddlers on Thursday, Mrs. Onilude emphasized that this is not a "casual class" but a deliberate effort at high-level capacity building.
To ensure the highest quality of practical engagement and one-on-one mentorship, the organizers have opened only 25 exclusive slots. This selective approach is designed to foster an environment where participants can deeply absorb the curriculum and interact directly with industry experts.
"This is intentional capacity building," Mrs. Onilude stated. "We are looking for young people who are ready to grow, ready to lead, and ready to become positive influencers in their communities."
The program is meticulously structured to address the specific needs of youth in the digital age. Participants will gain mastery in three core pillars: Media & Digital Influence: Learning to build a personal brand while navigating social media with responsibility and ethics.
Public Speaking: Overcoming the fear of the stage, speaking with clarity, and commanding a physical and digital presence.
Vision for the Future: Strategic planning, goal setting, and discovering a sense of purpose.
The training features a powerhouse of speakers and entrepreneurs who are leaders in their respective fields: Victor Aihawu: Director of CYID and a prominent social entrepreneur. An advocate for migrant reintegration, Aihawu will lead sessions on leadership with integrity and African cultural connectivity.
Bukola Aladesulu: Founder and Executive Director of Teenovation. She will focus on empowering youth to build resilience and craft a strong Digital Identity.
David Assogba: CEO of Palm Crest Reftop. An innovative business leader, Assogba will provide insights into entrepreneurship and developing a business mindset.
David Onilude: A youth advocate specializing in digital awareness and practical skills. He will guide participants on how to inspire positive community impact through responsible behavior.
The choice of the Centre for Youth Integrated Development (CYID) as the venue highlights the program's alignment with broader goals of youth empowerment and migrant support. By bringing together local talent and diaspora perspectives, the training provides a unique platform for Badagry’s youth to think globally while acting locally.