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2025 S.M.I.L.E Young Leaders Mentoring Program – Module 4: Business & Entrepreneurial Skills

With unemployment on the rise, entrepreneurial skills have never been more essential.
Mrs. Eunice Afolabi, CEO, Adler Technology wrapped up the 2025 YLMP Saturday Seminars (Module 4) with an insightful session on Business and Entrepreneurial Skills, equipping the Change Champions with strategies to harness their talents and build sustainable businesses.
She guided them through business planning, validation, sales, product management, and innovative brand-building strategies while highlighting key traits of successful entrepreneurs:
✅ Vision
✅ Passion and motivation
✅ Resilience and determination
✅ Self-confidence
✅ Willingness to take risks
✅ Creativity
Her session sparked creative ideas, nurtured entrepreneurial resilience, and provided practical insights for the Change Champions.
Thank you, Mrs. Afolabi, for an enriching and inspiring session!
S.M.I.L.E… Building a better world by raising a new generation of leaders

2025 S.M.I.L.E Young Leaders Mentoring Program – Module 3

What is your ideal world?
Mrs. Ajibola Babalola, a Social Entrepreneur, S.M.I.L.E Youth Mentor, and Founder of Radiance Niche, began her session on “The World We Want” by asking the Change Champions to visualize the world they desire. Their responses reflected their true spirit as emerging change-makers.
During the discussion, Mrs. Babalola provided a brief history of the world after World War II (1939-1945), explaining how it led to the formation of the United Nations and the eventual creation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She defined the SDGs and grouped the 17 goals into the 5Ps for better understanding:
✅ People
✅ Prosperity
✅ Planet
✅ Peace
✅ Partnership
She left the Change Champions with a powerful SDG dictum: “A world where no one is left behind,” inspiring them to actively contribute to achieving the global goals. She then led a practical session where the Change Champions shared specific areas they would focus on to support the achievement of the SDGs.
The final session of Module 3 delved into “Academic Excellence,” an engaging and insightful lesson facilitated by Mrs. Babalola who happens to be a first class graduate. Using a practical approach, she guided the Change Champions on strategies for academic success, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks.
She reminded them that academic excellence is intentional, not accidental, and shared a simple yet impactful formula:
✅ A – Accept the uniqueness of your learning style.
✅ B – Be passionate about academic excellence.
✅ C – Courageously set and achieve your academic goals.
It was a truly enriching session! A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Ajibola Babalola for her inspiring words and invaluable insights.

2025 S.M.I.L.E Young Leaders Mentoring Program(YLMP) – Module 3

On February 1, 2025, our 40 Change Champions gathered for an impactful Module 3 session of the YLMP, guided by the President of S.M.I.L.E, Mrs. Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins(BBM). Her session focused on three key areas:
✅ Mentoring: BBM emphasized the importance of mentoring as a developmental relationship between experienced and less experienced individuals. She highlighted that mentoring is not about cloning and stressed the need for the Change Champions to select mentors who possess the knowledge, skills, and values they aspire to develop.
She shared Isaac Newton’s quote, “I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulder of giants,” to illustrate the power of mentorship.
✅ Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: BBM shared key tips for effective public speaking, including the “DOs and DON’Ts,” while emphasizing the importance of knowing your audience, material, and venue, as well as having a strong opening, clear message, and impactful closing.
Through engaging videos and a practical session where the Change Champions applied what they learned, she equipped them with various speaking techniques.
✅ Handling Peer Pressure: BBM addressed the dangers of yielding to peer pressure and provided practical strategies for navigating it.
The session was impactful, leaving the Change Champions empowered with enhanced skills and greater confidence.
A huge thank you to Mrs. Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins for her invaluable contribution.

Celebrating Enduring Impact: S.M.I.L.E Alumni Give Back!

Its IMPACT WEDNESDAY 💃🏼🕺🏻💃🏼🕺🏻
It is truly gratifying to see our S.M.I.L.E Young Leaders Mentoring Program Alumni from the Class of 2014 and 2016 return to their alma mater, Baptist High School, Obanikoro to empower the next generation!
Over the course of three impactful Wednesdays (Nov 20 – Dec 4, 2024), they engaged 53 SS1 & SS2 students in a transformative journey of self-discovery and leadership. Through sessions on Self-Esteem, The Art of Leadership, and Goal Setting, they expanded students’ perspectives, helped shape growth mindsets, and showed them that there is MORE to who they are and what they can achieve.
A huge shoutout to our incredible alumni—Praise (2014), Bukunmi (2016), Toyosi (2016), and other members of the Baptist School Alumni—for their dedication to giving back! Seeing past participants invest in the next generation is the true mark of lasting impact. We trust the students were greatly inspired by the successes and accomplishments of their seniors.
Every effort counts in shaping the future, and their drive to make a difference keeps us inspired!
We celebrate enduring impact.
We are so proud of you!
S.M.I.L.E… Building a better world by raising a new generation of leaders.

2025 S.M.I.L.E’s Young Leaders Mentoring Program – Module 2

“Time is a resource available to all, irrespective of status—use it effectively.” This powerful quote set the stage for an insightful session on Time Management, facilitated by Mr. Tobi Olaitan.
Mr. Olaitan introduced the Change Champions to the fundamental principles of time management, emphasizing that it is the strategic and efficient use of time. He explained that mastering this skill requires allocating the right amount of time to specific tasks to enhance productivity and effectiveness.
During the session, participants gained practical strategies for optimizing their time, including the importance of scheduling, to-do lists, and daily trackers. They were also introduced to digital tools such as Google Calendar, Google Tasks, and Microsoft Outlook, which can aid in better planning and organization. Additionally, they explored the five key paradigms to consider when structuring their daily activities.
It was an enriching and impactful session, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Tobi Olaitan for sharing his expertise and inspiring the Change Champions to make the most of their time.

2025 S.M.I.L.E Young Leaders Mentoring Program – Module 2

 

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” — John Quincy Adams
The final session of Module 2 featured an engaging and insightful session led by Mrs. Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins, where she guided the Change Champions through the core principles of Effective Leadership and Mentoring.
She emphasized that true leadership is not defined by titles or positions but by the impact and influence one has on others. She encouraged the Change Champions to become transformational leaders—problem solvers who step up to challenges not because they created them, but because they have the responsibility to lead.
The session also explored various leadership styles, allowing each Change Champion to identify the one that resonated most with them. Discussions covered key leadership topics, including:
✅ Barriers to Leadership
✅ Common Misconceptions about Leadership
✅ The Redefinition of Leadership
✅ Qualities of a Great Leader
To conclude, Mrs. Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins left the Change Champions with a powerful charge:
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
The session was highly impactful, leaving the Change Champions inspired and eager to apply their newfound leadership insights.
A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed facilitator, Mrs. Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins, for delivering such a transformative and enlightening session!

EMPY Module 2: An Insightful Session on Leadership and Mentoring

 

During the second module of S.M.I.L.E’s Executive Mentoring Program for Youth (EMPY), the mentees in the Career, Business, and Social Enterprise cohorts participated in an insightful session on the Effective Leadership and Mentoring Framework. This session was facilitated by the dynamic S.M.I.L.E President, Mrs. Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins (BBM).
BBM began by explaining that leadership is a multifaceted concept. Through powerful quotes, personal anecdotes, and video illustrations, she explored the essence of leadership, dispelling common myths and misconceptions. She emphasized that leadership is not confined to formal roles, job titles, or positions but is defined by service, influence, impact, and transformation.
She reminded the mentees that true leaders do not require titles or positions of authority to lead and make a difference. Authentic leadership, she noted, involves inspiring, influencing, and guiding others toward a shared vision, regardless of formal authority.
BBM encouraged mentees to strive to become authentic, transformational, visionary, and servant leaders. She discussed various leadership styles and highlighted the key traits and qualities necessary for transformational leadership.
Additionally, she emphasized that leadership skills are critical for driving and sustaining personal success, growth, and impact. She highlighted the importance of these skills as foundational to success in mentees’ careers, businesses, and professional journeys. She provided practical steps to help mentees develop their leadership capabilities, urging them to continuously refine these skills.
BBM further stressed that employers highly value leadership qualities that align with achieving strategic goals. She encouraged mentees in the Business and Social Enterprise cohorts to embody distinct leadership traits that can drive success while shaping their organizations’ values, culture, direction, priorities, and strategies.
During the mentoring segment, BBM defined mentoring as a developmental relationship in which an experienced mentor shares knowledge, skills, values, and perspectives to foster the growth and development of a less-experienced mentee or protégé. She explained that mentoring is one of the most effective tools for transferring knowledge and facilitating both personal and intellectual growth for all parties involved. However, she cautioned that effective mentoring requires mentees to be faithful, available, and teachable (F.A.T.).
She concluded the session with a call to action, urging mentees to always ACT—take initiative, enact meaningful change, and share learnings with others. Mentees left the session feeling inspired, empowered, and equipped to embrace leadership roles and build mutually beneficial mentoring relationships.
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins for an impactful session filled with actionable insights and inspiration!

EMPY Module 2 Pep Talk: A Journey of Resilience and Purpose

We were deeply honored to have our esteemed partner, Mrs. Bukola Agbeniga, Group Finance Director for Babycare Product Supply – Asia, Middle East & Africa at Procter & Gamble, join us virtually from Dubai to deliver an inspiring pep talk during the second module of the Executive Mentoring Program for Youth (EMPY), setting a powerful tone for the year ahead.

At S.M.I.L.E, we believe that authentic stories and practical insights have the power to ignite real transformation. That’s why Mrs. Agbeniga, an accomplished professional and visionary leader, shared her incredible life journey—from launching her first business at the tender age of 8 to building a thriving career in a Fortune 500 company.

She emphasized that success is not a destination but a continuous process of growth, perseverance, and self-discovery. Drawing from her personal experiences, she shared with the mentees that she wasn’t born with a silver spoon, highlighting the importance of determination and grit.

Mrs. Agbeniga challenged mentees to reflect deeply on their unique contributions, urging them to focus on creating value, cultivating a growth mindset, and committing to lifelong learning. She encouraged them to direct their energy toward what they can control and influence, while also building a personal brand that embodies their values, skills, and impact.

Her session was truly a masterclass in navigating life’s complexities with courage, clarity, and purpose. Her impactful story and practical insights left our mentees inspired to pursue growth, embrace challenges, and lead with intention.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Agbeniga for her unwavering support, dedication, and commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders.

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THROWBACK 2024 – EMPY MENTEES RETREAT – A TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCE

The 2-Day Weekend Retreat held this year for mentees in the Career, Business and Social Enterprise Cohorts of S.M.I.L.E’s Executive Mentoring Program for Youth (EMPY) was truly transformative. This gathering brought together dynamic mentees and passionate facilitators, fostering an atmosphere of growth, learning, and connection.
The retreat concluded with an emotional moment as mentees expressed heartfelt gratitude to the founder of S.M.I.L.E, Mrs Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins(BBM), Mr Tunde Mabawonku(TM), the Executive Director, Retail and Digital Banking, Wema Bank Plc., Head of Communication at S.M.I.L.E, Mrs Ajibola Babalola, and Mr Daniel Allison the administrative intern for their dedication and sacrifices in shaping their journeys to become better individuals and leaders. Their kind words and thoughtful gestures left a lasting impression on everyone present.
To highlight this impactful experience, a memorable photo session captured the essence of the retreat:
– A general group photograph with the Wema Bank faculty.
– A special moment with the female mentees alongside BBM and the male mentees with TM.
– Individual cohort shots for the Career, Business, and Social Enterprise groups.
As the mentees parted ways, it was clear that this group of leaders would carry the lessons and values instilled in them, making a remarkable impact in their communities.

THROWBACK 2024 – EMPY MENTEES RETREAT DINING ETIQUETTE PRACTICAL SESSION

As part of the enriching experience during the S.M.I.L.E Executive Mentoring Program for Youth (EMPY) Weekend Retreat, mentees participated in a Dining Etiquette Practical Session facilitated by Mrs. Oluwaferanmi Owolabi, Head of Purple Academy, Wema Bank Plc.
This engaging session provided mentees with the opportunity to learn and practice the art of professional dining etiquette while enjoying a served lunch. Mrs. Owolabi offered valuable insights into proper table manners, understanding plate settings, and the subtle skills needed for formal dining occasions.
The interactive nature of this session equipped mentees with practical knowledge to confidently navigate formal dining settings, helping them leave a lasting impression in both professional and social environments.
A special thank you to Mrs. Owolabi for making this session both educational and memorable for the mentees.

Strategy for Mentoring Initiative and Leadership Empowerment (S.M.I.L.E) is a youth leadership development and mentoring non-profit organization established in Lagos. Nigeria in 2011 (S.M.I.L.E) and in Maryland, United States of America in 2017 (S.M.I.L.E Initiative)

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info@smileng.org

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