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"I Am a Leader"

Global Young Leaders Conference 2026.

Raising the confidence, character, and courage inside every child.

Sat, 22 Aug 2026
10:00am – 3:00pm WAT
Hybrid — Abuja & Online

Ages 6–15 only. Children below age 6 will not be admitted.

A young girl speaking confidently on stage at a leadership conference

About the Conference

A defining moment for your child.

Every great leader was once a child who was shown the way. "I Am a Leader" is a one-day experience where children aged 6–15 discover the truth that leadership isn't reserved for adults, titles, or the loudest voice in the room — it begins with who they are becoming right now.

Through interactive sessions, real-life stories, and hands-on activities, your child will learn to speak with confidence, make wise choices, serve others, and stand firm in their values, even when it's hard. They'll leave not just inspired, but equipped with practical tools they can use at home, in school, and among friends.

This is more than an event. It's a defining moment where your child stops waiting to be chosen and starts declaring, "I am a leader." Come and watch your child rise.

What Your Child Will Gain

Six shifts, one unforgettable day.

Confidence to speak

Your child will find their voice — and learn to use it with clarity and courage.

A leadership mindset

They'll begin to see themselves as leaders in the making, right now.

Wise decision-making

Simple, practical frameworks for choosing well under pressure.

Courage to stand by values

The inner strength to do what's right, even when it's hard.

New friendships

A tribe of like-minded young leaders they'll remember for years.

Practical tools for home & school

Tangible take-aways they can apply on Monday morning.

Order of Program

Your Child's Day With Us.

A rhythm designed to inspire, equip, and give every child a moment on stage.

  1. 9:30 – 10:15am

    Warm Welcome & Grand Opening

    Arrival, photo moments, music and games — then our signature opening where parents and children honour one another with 'the bow.'

  2. 10:15 – 11:00am

    Keynote: "I Am a Leader"

    A story-driven session where every child discovers that leadership starts within — and makes their first bold declaration.

  3. 11:00 – 11:30am

    The Courage to Be Different

    An inspiring guest session on leading and standing tall even when it's hard.

  4. 11:35am – 12:30pm

    Leadership Workshops by Age Group

    Hands-on, age-appropriate workshops where children practise real leadership skills — each age group in its own track.

  5. 12:30 – 1:00pm

    Lunch & Connection

    A relaxed break to refuel and make new friends.

  6. 1:20 – 1:50pm

    The Young Leaders Panel

    Children we've mentored take the stage and share their journeys live — proof that leadership in children is real.

  7. 1:50 – 2:35pm

    The Parent–Child Challenge

    The heart of the day: parents and children team up to solve a fun, hands-on challenge together.

  8. 2:35 – 3:00pm

    Commissioning & Declarations

    Every child stands, declares who they are becoming, and receives their leadership token to take home.

Meet the Speakers & Facilitators

Leaders raising leaders.

Portrait of Coach Johnson Ogbanje

Keynote Speaker

Coach Johnson Ogbanje

Johnson Ogbanje is an educator and social entrepreneur and founder of iLEAD Impact Academy and the Network of Exceptional Tutors (NETs). Since 2018, NETs has impacted over 25,000 learners and trained 200+ tutors, championing education that blends academic excellence with confidence, emotional intelligence, and leadership. He is committed to raising confident, globally relevant young leaders for Africa's future.

Portrait of Coach Doreen Ayodele

Co-Founder

Coach Doreen Ayodele

Doreen Ayodele is a children and teens mentor, Certified Parenting Coach, speaker, and author, and co-founder of iLEAD Impact Academy. With over a decade in youth development, she helps children discover their strengths, build emotional intelligence, and grow into confident, purpose-driven young leaders.

Portrait of Marybeth Chima

Guest Speaker

Marybeth Chima

Marybeth Chima is an educator, children's coach, and leading voice in premium parenting — an intentional approach to raising purpose-driven, high-capacity children. She is the founder of the Parenting Through Mentorship (PTM) Community, convener of the Young & Empowered Children Conference, and author of several children's book series including Stories for Champions and the Skill Up Series. Through her work, she partners with parents to raise confident, value-driven, and future-ready children.

Portrait of Esther Ilesanmi

Guest Speaker

Esther Ilesanmi

Esther Ilesanmi is a media and communications professional, speaker, and founder of the Kids and Teens Tech Academy, where she equips young people with practical digital skills. With nearly a decade of experience, she has trained over 1,000 individuals in digital literacy, and is founder of Zoe Media and Digital Consult and an ARCON-certified practitioner (ARPA). A certified educationist and advocate for quality education, she speaks on media, digital literacy, leadership, and personal branding.

The countdown is on

Until the day they rise.

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Registration closed

Registration is now closed.

Thank you to everyone who registered. We can't wait to see you on Saturday.

Conference registration

Registration is now closed

Conference registration is now closed. Thank you to everyone who registered — we can't wait to see you on Saturday! If you have any questions, please reach out on WhatsApp or email Info@iLeadAcademy.com.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

The Global Young Leaders Conference is for children and teens aged 6–15. Children below age 6 will not be admitted.

Save your child's seat

This is the day their leadership begins.

Registration is now closed. We can't wait to see you on Saturday.

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