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.

Held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, with the theme “Empowered to Influence,” the programme featured sessions on business and entrepreneurship, career development, artificial intelligence, investment education, vocational skills and healthy living. Participants also received free medical screening, consultation and treatment.

The programme was supported by Friends and Partners of DYDII, Grudfield Pharmaceutical, Geneith Pharmaceutical and Sunnet System.

Speaking on the theme, “Empowered to Influence,” DYDII’s Director and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Bola Adeniyi, urged young people to become positive influences in their schools, families and communities.

She stressed that character, integrity and responsible living are essential to meaningful influence, warning against negative peer pressure and encouraging participants to make purposeful decisions.

The facilitators included Mr. Femi Ademola, a pastor and accountant, who spoke on “Business development and entrepreneurship.” Engr. Christopher Adeniyi addressed “Empowerment by AI: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for learning, business and career,” equipping participants with practical knowledge on how to apply artificial intelligence to learning, entrepreneurship and career development.

Engr. Pelumi Olamijulo spoke on “Career Development and Employability Skills,” highlighting the skills needed to remain competitive in today’s rapidly changing world.

Mr. Victor Adeniyi, speaking on “Cultivating an investment mindset early,” encouraged participants to embrace disciplined saving and responsible investment through reputable financial institutions such as United Capital Plc, including money market investments.

Dr. Temitope Osifeso Kumapayi and Nurse Favour Obiazukwor educated participants on healthy living, emphasising the importance of proper nutrition, regular exercise and adequate rest.

Participants also received practical training in graphic design, digital marketing, virtual assistance, fashion designing, and catering, as well as the production of puff-puff, shampoo, soap, tile cleaner and Jik.

The training was designed to equip participants with practical skills that could enhance income generation, self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

The medical mission provided free blood pressure and blood glucose checks, medical consultations and treatment, bringing essential healthcare services closer to members of the community.

First registered as the Dignified Youth Development Mission in 2005, the initiative has supported young people, students, orphans and vulnerable persons through education sponsorship, empowerment programmes, HIV prevention, COVID-19 awareness, drug abuse and cultism prevention, character-based sexual purity programmes, skills acquisition, business start-ups, food distribution and other youth development initiatives.

The General Overseer of Truth and Grace Bible Church, Mafoluku, Rev. Dr. David Adeniyi, commended DYDII for its sustained impact and positive influence on many lives.

Professor Adeniyi appealed to individuals, organisations and corporate bodies to partner with DYDII through financial, material, professional and spiritual support to enable the organisation to reach more communities and vulnerable persons.

She reaffirmed DYDII’s commitment to expanding its impact through education, skills acquisition, healthcare and character development, while equipping young people to become responsible, productive and positive influencers in society.