The BS-E4 Teenagers’ Leadership Bootcamp has continued in Ede, with teenagers from across the Ede Federal Constituency and beyond being equipped with leadership, financial literacy and technology skills.
The five-day programme, powered by the lawmaker representing Ede Federal Constituency, Hon. Bamidele Salam, in partnership with the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV) and First Bank, is being held under the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation of Responsible, Tech-Savvy, and Impact-Driven Leaders.”
InsightMedia has reported that the bootcamp brought together more than 200 secondary school students from different backgrounds for practical sessions aimed at developing their leadership abilities, financial awareness, problem-solving skills and understanding of emerging technologies.
At the resumption on Wednesday, the founder of The New Gen Leader Initiative and member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing Obokun State Constituency, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi delivered a keynote address titled, “Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: A Pathway to True Leadership for Teenagers.”
Adeyemi challenged the participants to look beyond leadership positions and understand leadership as the ability to identify problems and take responsibility for solving them.
“Being a leader doesn’t have anything to do with your age, but the problem you solve. Anybody that is not solving a problem doesn’t qualify to be a leader,” he said.
The lawmaker urged the teenagers to develop the habit of thinking critically before responding to challenges, stressing that effective leadership requires responsibility and action.
“You don’t react immediately when you see a problem; you have to think and understand how you can solve it, take responsibility, and take action. Leadership and problem-solving go hand in hand,” he added.
The financial literacy session was facilitated by a financial literacy expert, Mr Oluwatosin Oyetayo, who spoke on the topic, “Smart Teen, Smart Money: Your Money, Your Choices, Your Future.”
Oyetayo introduced the participants to practical financial habits, including responsible spending, saving and planning for the future.
“You have to have insight on what you do with money and plan how to spend prudently,” he said.
He also encouraged the teenagers to develop a disciplined savings culture, advising them to keep their savings in places where they would not be easily tempted to spend the money.
The programme also exposed the participants to the growing opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
A Senior Software Engineer and AI Researcher, Engr. Jesutomiwa Salam, facilitated a session titled, “Teen Innovators: Using AI for Everyday Solutions.”
Salam urged the teenagers to see technology as a tool for solving real-life problems in their communities rather than merely as a source of entertainment.
“The best skill you can have is the one that benefits your community, because AI is a means to an end,” he said.
According to him, artificial intelligence should complement human intelligence rather than replace it.
“It is not built to take away your intelligence, but to enhance it. Every solution cannot exist until there is a problem, and you can use technology as an enabler to solve them,” Salam added.
Members of the planning committee, Mr Umar Salman and Mr Tobi Oyewo, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the sessions and the level of participation by the students.
In separate interviews, they said the facilitators were carefully selected based on their practical experience and ability to connect with young people.
“The facilitators have been fantastic in delivery. The selection process was thorough because we wanted speakers with real-world experience,” they said.
The committee members also urged the participants to remain active as the bootcamp progresses, particularly ahead of group activities, individual performances and an inter-local government debate, with prizes to be awarded to outstanding participants.
Some of the teenagers participating in the programme also shared their experiences since the commencement of the bootcamp.
Joseph Ayomide of Oasis Royal College said the programme had broadened his understanding of financial management and leadership.
“My experience has been lovely. I became financially literate through the programme. We were taught how to earn, spend, give, donate, and invest. Leadership is not only by position, but about the ability to lead irrespective of your age,” he said.
Similarly, Ojoko Oluwabusayomi of Rock Eternal Model College, Dada Estate, said the programme had taught participants that leadership could begin from an early age.
“We have learnt that irrespective of your age, gender, sex, or position, leadership starts from a young age. Start small, be bold, stay accountable, and learn how to explain your decisions clearly,” she said.
The BS-E4 Teenagers’ Leadership Bootcamp is scheduled to continue until Friday, October 2, 2026, with further mentorship sessions, debates and collaborative challenges expected to form part of the remaining activities. Prizes will also be presented as part of the programme’s activities.