Blog

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, S.M.I.L.E proudly co-sponsored the YALI Network Lagos Career and Entrepreneurship Workshop at the American Corner, Ikeja, Lagos, themed “Inspiring Advancement and Innovation in Entrepreneurship and Career Path.”

As part of our unwavering commitment to strategic youth empowerment and intellectual growth, we were thrilled to offer selected alumni and current mentees of our Executive Mentoring Program for Youth (EMPY) the opportunity to participate in this inspiring experience.

From insightful sessions on innovation in entrepreneurship, resume crafting, LinkedIn optimization, and navigating today’s corporate landscape, to an engaging panel discussion and purposeful networking opportunities—every moment was packed with value.

The workshop wasn’t just a program—it was a powerhouse of ideas, inspiration, and transformation. It created room for deep learning, meaningful connections, and personal development that will shape future career and business success.

At S.M.I.L.E, we remain deeply committed to raising a new generation of visionary leaders, backing purposeful youth initiatives, and building platforms that equip young minds to thrive.

A big thank you to YALI Network Lagos and their collaborating partners for making this event a truly transformative one!

S.M.I.L.E… Building a better world, raising a new generation of leaders

Today, we celebrate Joshua Adeyeye, a 2016 graduate of S.M.I.L.E’s Young Leaders Mentoring Program (YLMP) and a 2022 graduate of our Executive Mentoring Program for Youth(EMPY), whose journey of resilience, enterprise, and excellence continues to inspire us all.

Joshua was nominated by S.M.I.L.E for the Adara Foundation’s Next Level Business Funding Program grant pitch competition —an act that demonstrates our belief in his potential and entrepreneurial vision. With unwavering determination and a solid business plan for his ventures—CeeJay Laundry Service and Cyber Cafe under the brand Creative Josh Concept—Joshua pitched and emerged as one of five winners of the ₦500,000 Adara Foundation Next Level Business Grant!

The grant is a testament to Joshua’s hard work, preparation, and the confidence that others now have in his ability to create jobs, drive economic growth, and lead with impact.

Joshua, we celebrate your growth, your grit, and your glowing future as an entrepreneur. Keep pushing boundaries. Keep building, and continue being a beacon of youth-led change. Your S.M.I.L.E family is proud of you!

Our sincere appreciation goes to our partner, Adara Foundation for their commendable efforts in bridging the financing gap for promising youth-led businesses with high growth potential and for their unwavering commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs as key drivers of economic growth and national development.

S.M.I.L.E proudly supported the Centre for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation(CELSIR) and Redi-Med Consulting Services, in commemorating the International Day of the Boy Child on May 16, 2025.

The event took place at the Special Correctional Centre for Boys, Oregun, Lagos, highlighting the urgent need for support, mentorship, and rehabilitation for vulnerable boys in custodial care.

The International Day of the Boy Child was established by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh—renowned for his advocacy on gender equality and the well-being of boys and men.

In line with this year’s theme — “Building Self-Esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen” — the organizers hosted a Self-Esteem and Personal Development Workshop that brought hope, healing, and inspiration to the boys in the correctional centre.

Another highlight of the event was a friendly football match between the boys in the centre and students of Supreme Education Foundation, Magodo.

We are thrilled to have been one of the sponsors. At S.M.I.L.E, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that transform lives, empower youth, and create safe spaces where young people can thrive.

Thank you Centre for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation, Redi-Med Consulting Services, and everyone who made this memorable day possible for the boys.

This year’s L.E.A.D 3.0 Educational Outreach was remarkable, impactful, transformational and inclusive.

Without a doubt, March 12, 2025, will forever be etched in the hearts of the 122 public secondary school students from 12 schools—including hearing-impaired students—who participated in this year’s educational outreach.

Their eagerness to learn reminded us why we do what we do. The students were equipped with essential leadership skills, career guidance, digital education, entrepreneurship, and social impact knowledge—empowering them for future success.

This year’s theme: Beyond Limits: Learn, Lead, and Thrive was apt, as our top executives shared valuable insights and personal experiences to inspire attendees.

We are optimistic that the knowledge, exposure and inspiration the students received will yield positive outcomes, fuel their ambitions, empower them to take bold steps toward a better future and spur their growth and personal development.

They are not just students—they are leaders, problem-solvers, and change-makers who have been charged to work towards making the Nigeria of their dreams a reality!

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible facilitators, dedicated volunteers—mentees of S.M.I.L.E’s 2025 Executive Mentoring Program for Youth (EMPY)—and our esteemed partners, Lagos State Education District II.

We also deeply appreciate our generous sponsors: Agent for Change International, The CARR Group, Kristin Becker, Lifestyle & Colony LLC, Ms. Lara Alagbada, Mrs. Bukola Agbeniga, Kilah Watson, Latisha Mc Cormick and Mr. Godson Mollel for their invaluable support in making S.M.I.L.E’s 2025 Educational Outreach (L.E.A.D Project 3.0) a resounding success.

Together, we will continue to make a difference and shape a brighter future for young leaders!