NGO Reiterates Importance of Youth Mentorship for Dev’t
Global lead, Leadership by Design International Initiative (LBD) Daniel Ezimadu, has reiterated the importance of youth mentorship for social and economic development.
Speaking during an exclusive interview in Abuja, the seasoned leadership coach and innovator of over 15 years, stated that the initiative is committed to equipping young people with the tools, values, and mindset to become effective leaders in their communities and beyond.
Ezimadu highlighted the core mission of the organization as igniting a passion for self-discovery, self-development, and self-deployment among individuals aspiring to lead effectively in their personal and professional lives. “Leadership begins with understanding oneself,” Ezimadu emphasized. “Our initiative challenges young people to embark on a journey of self-discovery, develop their potential, and use their gifts to inspire and uplift others.”
He noted that the decision to focus on young people is strategic. He further underscored the importance of targeting this demographic, noting that youth represent not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the drivers of innovation today.
“Africa’s youthful population holds immense potential,” he remarked. “However, for this energy and creativity to be harnessed, young people need structured mentorship and leadership training.”
According to him, LBD tailored programs, seek to address societal challenges such as unemployment and lack of direction by empowering young individuals to discover their unique purposes and assume leadership roles. This approach, Ezimadu explained, aims to plant the seeds of integrity, vision, and responsibility early, creating a ripple effect of positive change across communities.
As the initiative envisions a future where empowered leaders drive sustainable development and inspire others to take charge of their lives. Ezimadu explained that the organization’s long-term strategy focuses on building a network of leaders who embody innovation, compassion, and accountability.
“Our goal is to create a legacy of individuals who understand that leadership is not just about holding positions but about making meaningful contributions to society,” he said. This vision is backed by structured mentorship programs that include personal development workshops, leadership skills training, and community impact initiatives.
The global lead, disclosed that the initiative employs a robust framework to evaluate the impact of its programs. Indicators include participant feedback, personal growth assessments, and tangible outcomes such as leadership roles undertaken by alumni and the community projects they spearhead. Success stories and case studies further illustrate the transformative power of the initiative’s approach.
Adding that understanding the diverse backgrounds of its participants, the organization adopts an adaptive mentorship model. From individualized goal-setting to specialized tracks focusing on business, public service, and technology, the programs are designed to cater to specific needs while maintaining a cohesive structure rooted in universal leadership principles.
“We ensure that every participant receives personalized guidance without losing sight of the bigger picture,” Ezimadu stated. “Leadership by Design is about creating a supportive environment where young people can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Ezimadu added that he draws heavily from his own journey as a leader, emphasizing resilience, faith, and humility. Reflect on live long lessons he said, “Leadership is not a destination but a continuous process of growth. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and become better equipped to serve others.”
Ezimadu’s personal philosophy underscores the ethos of LBD the belief that effective leadership stems from humility, empathy, and a commitment to the collective good. His dedication to nurturing these qualities in others has become the cornerstone of the initiative’s success.
“We are building a movement that transcends borders and limitations,” Ezimadu said with conviction. “Our mission is to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders to rise above challenges and drive meaningful progress in their communities and beyond.”