By Samuel Omofalaa
The African Development Programme for Young Professionals Academy concluded its four-day ‘Emerging Leaders Programme’ on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Law Lecture Room, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan. The programme aimed to bridge critical skill gaps in Africa’s evolving industries by equipping young professionals and students with leadership and career insights.
Described by organisers as a “skill gap identification” exercise, the event featured over 10 speakers from diverse sectors over a period of four days, alongside a high-level panel on the grand finale. The intensive training covered leadership principles, career paths, and current trends across emerging markets.
Dr Damilola Osinuga, the first speaker, shared his legal career journey, emphasising reliability, reachability, and credibility. He advised participants to be “modestly visible” in their professional pursuits. Mr Temiloluwa Olaoye followed with an introduction to emerging markets and practical strategies for tapping into them.
The panel session brought together Mrs Temitope George, Managing Director of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Agency, and Ambassador Nimi Adegbite, founder and CEO of Cirvee. Adedeji Latona, founder and acting director of the academy, moderated the discussion, which explored regulatory and entrepreneurial challenges on the continent.
Khalid Olasupo, a 400-level law student at UI, described the programme as one that builds competence, character, and discipline. “I have come to understand that competence may open doors, but character determines how far you can go once those doors are open,” he said.
In an interview with UCJ UI, Adedeji Latona revealed expansion plans. He stated that the programme will be held in Lagos before the end of 2026, in Ghana during the first quarter, and likely in Ekiti in between. He also noted that future editions will focus on specific sectors, starting with extractive industries and banking.
The Emerging Leaders Program held is the first of its kind, and participants were from the University of Ibadan and other universities. Olabisi Owadayo, a recent University of Ibadan graduate, clinched the ‘Emerging Leader of the Year’ award and was presented with a plaque. Her group won the best group for the cohort. Every participant was awarded a certificate.
