By Olasunkanmi Olajide
The Budding Leaders Empowerment Initiative (BUDLEIN), has taken a bold step in grooming the next generation of Nigerian leaders with the successful hosting of its maiden Ambassadors Mentorship Programme (BUDLAMP) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
Held from August 25–27, 2025, the Three-Day bootcamp brought together 22 young ambassadors, including participants from BUDLEIN’s urban and rural community projects, for an intensive blend of leadership training, mentorship, skills development, and recreational activities. Four teachers from participating schools also joined the programme to provide additional support.
The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, declared the programme open, urging the young ambassadors to embrace leadership as a responsibility and a call to inspire change. He was joined by an educationist, Chief (Mrs.) Hope Jiboku, who advised the participants to cultivate resilience and discipline as essential qualities of leadership.
Delivering the Keynote Address on “Raising Leaders: Skills, Strategy and Service,” Prof. Adeniyi Olayanju, former Vice-Chancellor of Landmark University, underscored that true leadership was about service, innovation, and impact rather than position. He encouraged the ambassadors to strengthen their self-management, time management, and resource management skills, while embracing soft skills and personal development as tools for growth.In another impactful session,
Mr. Ayo Baiyewu, Regional Manager of Access Bank Plc, spoke on Financial Skills for Raising Future Leaders and Change Makers. He pledged to open bank accounts for ambassadors without one, each funded with ₦5,000, while emphasising the importance of financial literacy and savings as building blocks for independence.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde, Executive Director of BUDLEIN, hailed the programme as “an outstanding success that has empowered these young leaders to drive change in their communities and beyond.”The programme also featured an address from the Child Protection Network (CPN), Ogun State Chapter, delivered by its Secretary, Mr. Similoluwa Adebanjo, who stressed the need to prioritise child welfare and parental involvement in safeguarding future leaders.
Beyond lectures, the bootcamp immersed participants in group projects, self-discovery sessions, conflict resolution training, SMART goal setting, environmental sustainability workshops, and school club development.
Recreational highlights included a tour of the FUNAAB Zoo Park, a talent show, karaoke, and a movie night. Each ambassador was paired with a mentor for a one-year follow-up mentorship programme, ensuring continuity in their leadership journey.
A major highlight was the community project pitch session, where Pageturners emerged as the winning team. The bootcamp ended with the presentation of certificates and gifts at a colourful closing ceremony.
With this pioneering edition, BUDLEIN has set the stage for a new model of youth mentorship in Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing future leaders who would shape schools, communities, and the nation at large.
