Empowering Changemakers Through Social Innovation and Leadership

The Sustainable Impact Leadership Bootcamp (SILB) 2024, held from December 4–6, 2024, at the tranquil Mariam Babangida Leisure Park in Asaba, Delta State Nigeria, marked a defining moment for youth leadership in Africa. With 100 vibrant young leaders from across Nigeria and West Africa, the Bootcamp delivered an immersive, transformative experience that harnessed the power of social innovation and leadership to drive sustainable development across the continent.

Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The SILB 2024 was deeply aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing critical areas such as:

SDG 4: Quality Education – Through workshops and group tasks, participants were equipped with critical leadership and problem-solving skills.

SDG 5: Gender Equality – The Bootcamp ensured equal representation of women and girls, emphasizing their role as leaders and innovators.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – By fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation, we empowered participants to create economic opportunities within their communities.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – We prioritized the inclusion of Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD), ensuring everyone had an equal platform to contribute and learn.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Through the Model UN/AU Simulation, participants learned how to draft policies and engage in governance, promoting effective and accountable leadership.

Program Highlights

Participants engaged in an array of dynamic activities, including:

Keynote Sessions: Insightful discussions led by thought leaders on social innovation, leadership, and Africa’s development.

Skill-Building Workshops: Practical training in public speaking, policy development, and project execution.

Model UN/AU Simulation: A real-world exercise where participants crafted innovative policies to address Africa’s pressing challenges.

Cultural Exchange: A vibrant celebration of Africa’s unity and diversity, fostering mutual respect and collaboration.

Inclusive Leadership and Social Impact

This Bootcamp exemplified the principles of inclusive leadership, providing PLWD and underrepresented groups with opportunities to shine. By embracing SDG 10, SILB 2024 showcased the power of diversity and collaboration in creating meaningful social change.

Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional sponsors, partners, and speakers whose unwavering support made the Bootcamp 2024 a resounding success: Lead Africa, Nigerian Youth Future Funds (NYFF), Hon. Ayodele Olawande (Minister of State for Youth), Delta State Government, Hon. Chief Stella Okotete OON, Hon. Agbateyiniro Weyinmi (Chairman, Warri South Local Government), Elvis Akpobi, D. Amabelle Nwakanma, Ijeoma Madu, Hamzat Lawal, Jacquelyn Yawa, Engr. Okeoghe Omoluwabi, Barr. ThankGod Trakiriowei (Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development), and David Smith, MPP (Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Canada).

Your contributions and support has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of transformative leaders who are ready to drive Africa’s development through innovation, inclusion, and collaboration.

See the Impact

Explore our Photo Gallery and video of testimonials from participants to witness how SILB 2024 inspired and empowered future leaders. The transformative experiences, collaborations, and actionable insights from the Bootcamp are paving the way for a better Africa.

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media and our website for updates on upcoming events and initiatives. Join us in advancing the SDGs and building a brighter future for Africa—because the future is now!

Cohort 11 of the Young Political Leadership School Africa, Moronvia, Liberia, was attended by fifteen young Nigerians who are part of the Nottooyoungtolead initiative, under the direction of Executive Director Elvis Akpobi.

One of the leadership schools with the biggest effect and fastest growth, the YPLSA prepares young Africans for leadership and nation-building.

The US and Swedish ambassadors were present during the Cohort 11 induction event, along with President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, who was represented by the Vice President.

In a remarkable display of international recognition, Canadian Parliamentarian, David Smith, and City Councillor, Nick Mantas, have commended the Delta state Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for his outstanding commitment to youth inclusion and development.

The commendation was disclosed by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Youth Mentoring and Development, Amb. Elvis Akpobi, in a press statement issued in Toronto.

Akpobi, currently on an official visit to Canada, highlighted the significant impact of the Governor’s developmental programs on the youths of Delta State.

“Governor Oborevwori’s initiatives are quite commendable, they’ve empowered countless young people in Delta State, and it is a testament to his leadership and dedication to the future of Nigeria.”

The commendation was presented in a letter of welcome to Amb. Akpobi, who is also the Executive Director of the NotTooYoungToLead initiative.

The letter, signed by David Smith, MPP for Scarborough Centre and Chair of the Standing Committee on Government Agencies, praised Akpobi for his tireless efforts in promoting youth empowerment and cultural exchange programmes.

We are set! Young change makers and emerging leaders from Nigerian will converge in Ontario Canada for this year’s Leadership and Nation building Conference.

What defines us as Nigerians is the constitution. Growing up in a roman catholic family , every Sunday before mass closes there is a session that says “Prayer for Nigeria in distress” this I prayer we have recited for more than a decade now but Nigeria keeps getting worse as grow older. Time helped me grow  up to new reality , i stop reciting that prayer not because I don’t believe in God but because I know it doesn’t take that long for God to answer any prayer . I told me self the bitter truth that God listen what we recite with our mouth but see what’s in our hearts which is quiet different from what we say, they are not in agreement a handful of us(citizens) praying for a better Nigeria , almost all of us that want a country that works , good governance to all of us means let us have our close person in Government so we can get our own part of the cake . We only hear what people say with their mouth we don’t know what’s in their hearts , and the reason our hearts as Nigerians are in different places is because we have anything that unifies us . What makes Nigeria, NIGERIA is the constitution, its a protocol and I don’t think God will do anything for us outside it . For me , I believe the solution of Nigeria is not in the bible or Koran , the constitution is what defines us as Nation, if as citizens and leaders we don’t know what is inside of it , live by it  , work by it then we will pray from now till Jesus comes and things will continue getting worse . Chapter 2 of the Nigeria constitution has everything we all desire for this Nation , it defines who we are, role of the Government , role of citizens. Our many of us , citizens and leaders are intimate with the words in the constitution which is meant to be the protocol of our dear country . It’s time we stop disturbing God on issues that affect Nigeria and start working on the protocol and DNA of this country. My name is Elvis Akpobi Executive Director Nottooyoungtolead initative What defines us as Nigerians is the constitution. Growing up in a roman catholic family , every Sunday before mass closes there is a session that says “Prayer for Nigeria in distress” this I prayer we have recited for more than a decade now but Nigeria keeps getting worse as grow older. Time helped me grow  up to new reality , I stopped reciting that prayer not because I don’t believe in God but because I know it doesn’t take that long for God to answer any prayer . I told me self the bitter truth that God listen what we recite with our mouth but see what’s in our hearts which is quiet different from what we say, they are not in agreement. A handful of us(citizens) praying for a better Nigeria almost all of us that want a country that works , good governance to all of us means let us have our close person in Government so we can get our own part of the cake . We only hear what people say with their mouth we don’t know what’s in their hearts , and the reason our hearts as Nigerians are in different places is because we have anything that unifies us . What makes Nigeria NIGERIA is the constitution, its a protocol and I don’t think God will do anything for us outside it. For me , I believe the solution of Nigeria is not in the bible or Koran , the constitution is what defines us as Nation, if as citizens and leaders we don’t know what is inside of it , live by it  , work by it then we will pray from now till Jesus comes and things will continue getting worse . Chapter 2 of the Nigeria constitution has everything we all desire for this Nation , it defines who we are  , role of the Government , role of citizens. Our many of us , citizens and leaders are intimate with the words in the constitution which is meant to be the protocol of our dear country . It’s time we stop disturbing God on issues that affect Nigeria and start working on the protocol and DNA of this country.

My name is Elvis Akpobi Executive Director Nottooyoungtolead initative.