YALI Network Anambra partners Mawlif Media School for six-week public speaking training
Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo
YALI Network Anambra has entered into a strategic partnership with Mawlif Media School to deliver a transformative six-week public speaking and communication training programme aimed at building a new generation of confident and impactful young leaders.
The initiative, titled “Think Possible for Powerful Speaking Course,” was facilitated by the State Coordinator of YALI Network Anambra, Victor Onyekwelu, who successfully secured the collaboration and fully funded participation for selected members of the network.
The programme currently accommodates ten outstanding YALI Network Anambra members, carefully selected based on their active involvement in community development and leadership initiatives.
Each training slot, valued at ₦25,000 per participant, amounts to a total sponsorship of ₦250,000, fully covered through the coordinator’s intervention to support youth empowerment.
The course is being led by renowned communication expert and media educator, Dr. Ify Aronu-Okafor, who is also a former Special Adviser to the Governor of Anambra State on Broadcasting and a recognised Nigerian Youth Champion of the Future.
Unlike conventional public speaking classes, the training combines practical speaking drills, mindset transformation, voice refinement, diction improvement, and real-world communication simulations.
Participants are also trained on how to structure their thoughts clearly, speak confidently in both formal and informal settings, and develop persuasive communication skills essential for leadership.
According to Dr. Aronu-Okafor, effective public speaking goes beyond addressing large audiences. She emphasized that communication is a core leadership tool required in everyday interactions, whether in boardrooms, community engagements, or social influence platforms.
She noted that the ability to express ideas clearly often determines the level of impact a leader can make.
Since the commencement of the programme, participants have reportedly shown noticeable improvement in confidence, articulation, and stage presence.
Many have described the training as practical, engaging, and life-changing, particularly in helping them overcome fear and develop clarity in expression.
The training is delivered through flexible digital platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Zoom, allowing participants to engage seamlessly regardless of location. In addition, learners are provided with course materials, including Dr. Aronu-Okafor’s book titled “1 Powerful Secret Super Public Speakers Never Ever Reveal,” which serves as a core reference in the curriculum.
Upon completion of the six-week programme, participants are expected to receive internationally recognized certificates, further enhancing their leadership and professional credentials.
YALI Network Anambra, part of the wider Young African Leaders Initiative framework, continues to prioritise youth empowerment through capacity-building programmes designed to equip young people with practical skills for community impact and social transformation.
The ongoing partnership with Mawlif Media School marks a significant milestone in its commitment to nurturing articulate, confident, and socially responsible leaders who can effectively drive change within their communities and beyond.
As the programme progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic that the training will produce a ripple effect of improved communication, stronger leadership capacity, and increased youth participation in civic and professional spaces across Anambra State.
