Dignified Youth Development Initiative empowers youths, students, orphans, vulnerable persons in Lagos

Michael Olumide Alabi

Dignified Youth Development Initiative International, a non-governmental organisation committed to youth, student, orphan and vulnerable-persons empowerment, has organised a medical mission and empowerment programme for residents, youths and students in Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos State.

The programme, held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, was organised under the theme, “Empower to Influence,” and featured business and career development sessions, health talks, medical screening, healthy-living education and vocational skills training.

The organisation, formerly known as Dignified Youth Development Mission, was established and inaugurated in Ibadan in 2005 with a mission to empower young people, students, orphans and vulnerable persons through education, skills acquisition and other forms of support.

Over the years, the initiative has supported the education of orphans to higher institutions and provided assistance and vocational training to vulnerable persons in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Speaking during the programme, the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Professor Bola Adeniyi, said the initiative was inspired by God following a dream she had many years ago while serving in the former Cross River State.

According to her, the experience motivated her to dedicate herself to raising and empowering young people, orphans, students and needy persons for the purpose and glory of God.

Adeniyi urged youths and other participants to recognise their responsibility to make positive contributions to society, stressing that nobody created himself or herself and that everyone should live a life that honours God.

She encouraged the youths to become positive influences wherever they find themselves, particularly in their schools, communities and neighbourhoods.

She said being popular, wealthy or successful did not automatically translate into having a positive influence on other people.

Adeniyi therefore advised youths to be careful in their choice of friends, warning that negative peer influence could adversely affect their character, future and destiny.

She urged the participants to remain focused, disciplined and committed to positive values.

Drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:13–16, she reminded the youths that they are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” urging them to demonstrate these values through their conduct and daily activities.

The empowerment advocate also emphasised the importance of character and integrity in leadership and influence.

According to her, “character is the first platform of influence,” adding that visibility must be accompanied by responsibility, while genuine followership must be built on integrity.

She warned youths against blindly following the crowd, particularly in educational institutions and communities, and encouraged them to make decisions based on sound values and purposeful living.

Adeniyi further explained that true influence is measured by service to humanity and the positive impact individuals make in the lives of others.

She urged the participants to make God the source of their strength and guidance, noting that their abilities and opportunities should be used to improve society.

Business and Career Development
The programme featured a business development session facilitated by Mr. Femi Ademola, a pastor and accountant, who spoke to the youths on entrepreneurship and strategies for building sustainable businesses.

Ademola discussed the qualities required to become a successful entrepreneur and encouraged participants to start from their immediate environment, identify opportunities and gradually expand their businesses.

He also highlighted some of the factors responsible for business failure and advised aspiring entrepreneurs to develop proper planning, discipline, financial management and persistence.

Engineer Olamijulo Pelumi Emmanuel, who handled the career development and employability session, urged the youths to remain focused on their career aspirations and take deliberate steps towards achieving their goals.

He encouraged them to learn from successful individuals in their chosen fields while also trusting God and taking practical action towards their ambitions.
Vocational Skills Training

Participants also received training in various vocational and digital skills as part of efforts to promote self-reliance and economic empowerment.

The training covered areas including artificial intelligence, graphic design, catering, snack and cake production, and fashion designing.

The organisers said the skills were designed to equip participants with practical knowledge that could enable them to create employment opportunities for themselves and become financially independent.
Free Medical Screening

A major highlight of the programme was the medical mission, during which a medical team conducted health checks for participants.

Blood pressure and blood glucose levels were checked, while some participants received medication and health advice based on the results of their assessments.

The medical intervention formed part of the organisation’s commitment to promoting healthy living among young people and vulnerable members of the community.

Dr. Temitope Osifeso also delivered a session on healthy living for lasting influence, emphasising the importance of good health as a foundation for productive living.

A nursing professional, Favour Chinedu Obiazikwor, further engaged participants during a health talk on healthy eating, exercise, rest and other practices necessary for maintaining a healthy body and mind.

She encouraged the youths to pay greater attention to their diets, engage in appropriate physical activities and allow their bodies adequate time to rest after strenuous activities.

‘Many Destinies Have Been Secured’

The programme also received commendation from Rev. Dr. David Adeniyi, General Overseer of Faith and Grace Bible Church, Mafoluku, and husband of Professor Bola Adeniyi.
He described the initiative as a laudable platform that had contributed to transforming lives since its inception.

According to him, many destinies have been positively affected and secured through the organisation’s programmes, attributing its progress and impact to the grace of God.

He commended the organisers for sustaining the empowerment initiative and urged individuals and organisations to support programmes that promote the development of young people and vulnerable members of society.

Call for Partnership
In her closing remarks, Professor Bola Adeniyi appealed to members of the public, organisations and individuals who share a passion for youth development and empowerment to partner with the Dignified Youth Development Initiative.

She called for spiritual, financial, material and professional support from willing partners, saying such collaboration would enable the organisation to extend its programmes to more communities and reach more youths, orphans, students and vulnerable persons.

Adeniyi expressed confidence that the initiative would continue to grow and impact lives, saying she remained committed to taking the organisation to greater heights.

She said the progress recorded so far had strengthened her determination to continue the work and expand its reach.
The “Empower to Influence” programme brought together youths, students, residents, professionals, medical personnel, religious leaders and other stakeholders, with the organisers stressing that empowerment, character development, good health and skills acquisition are essential ingredients for building responsible and productive citizens.