Youth Empowerment Conference 2026.
(Basic life skills)
On April 3, 2026, WTC hosted an in-person Youth Empowerment Conference, creating a safe and engaging space for young people to connect, exchange ideas, and build essential life skills. The event featured impactful sessions on compassion, identity, interpersonal relationships, public speaking, and advocacy, equipping participants with the tools to navigate their personal growth and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Over 30 + participants in YEPC engaged in a transformative experience that challenged them to think, speak, and lead with greater intention. The summit created space for reflection, connection, and practical learning that strengthened their confidence and leadership capacity in everyday life
Youths are capable when they are empowered, supported, and connected to a strong network.
Morning motivation
The day began with opening remarks from our founder. Omolabake Bada. Who gave the Welcome Address and Overview of the event
“The Youth Empowerment Conference stands as a testament to the fact that young people are not the future waiting in line; they are the force actively shaping the present.”
Opening the sessions at YEPC, Pastor Ernest spoke on interpersonal relationships.
He began with a simple but powerful truth: “Your network is your net worth.” The quality of your life is closely tied to the quality of your relationships, shaping your mood, your focus, and even your rest.
He emphasized that great relationships are not a personality trait, but a skill, something anyone can learn with the right tools.
Through the CONNECT Toolkit, he shared practical ways to build stronger connections: Communicate clearly, Open your heart, Notice emotions, Navigate boundaries, Embrace conflict, Care through actions, and Take responsibility.
One key takeaway stood out: that perspective matters. The same situation can mean different things to different people, which is why empathy and curiosity are essential in understanding others.
In the end, his message was clear: strong relationships don’t just happen; they are built intentionally, and they have the power to shape every area of our lives.
The energy shifted as the second speaker, Ife Adeyemi, took the stage to speak on Public speaking and Advocacy.
Her message was simple but striking: your voice is your power. And learning how to use it well can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
She moved beyond just “talking” and focused on how we show up when we speak. From eye contact and posture to gestures and expression, she explained that people don’t just hear your words. They read you. How you say something can matter just as much as what you say.
She also broke down key speaking skills like tone, pace, clarity, and enunciation, showing how each one shapes the impact of your message, whether you’re resolving conflict, sharing an idea, or standing up for something that matters.
But one of the most important shifts she introduced was this: listening is not waiting for your turn to speak. It is understanding.
By the end, her session left a clear impression: communication isn’t just a talent, it’s a tool. And when you learn to use your voice with confidence and intention, you position yourself to influence, connect, and advocate for change.
Identity: Discovering Who You Are Through God
Third Speaker: Faith Udah
Faith Udah spoke on understanding your identity, guiding participants to look beyond surface-level definitions of who they are.
But what is identity?
If someone asked you, “Who are you?”, what would you say?
Most people would start with their name. Some might mention their age, where they’re from, or what they enjoy doing. You might talk about your hobbies, talents, family, or background.
All of these things matter. They are part of your story.
Your culture, the languages you speak at home, your family traditions, your relationships, and the activities you enjoy all help shape who you are. They give insight into your experiences and how you see the world.
But your identity goes deeper than that. It is more than the information on an ID card, more than your appearance, your personality, or your achievements.
Your identity is connected to your purpose, the reason you exist. That’s a bigger question: Why am I here? You don’t have to figure that out on your own.
She made us understand that as you grow, reflect, and seek answers, you begin to discover your true identity. Not just what you do or where you come from, but who you were created to be.
Understanding your identity is a journey. And it starts by looking beyond the surface and asking deeper questions about your life, your purpose, and your relationship with God.
Leading with Compassion: Becoming Change-Makers in Our Communities
Fourth and final speaker: Omolabake Bada, Founder, WTC
This session challenged participants to see compassion not just as an emotion, but as a practical leadership tool for driving meaningful global impact. Through engaging dialogue and real-life applications, our speaker guided the youth in understanding what it truly means to lead with empathy,
Participants explored how compassionate leadership begins with emotional awareness and a genuine understanding of others’ experiences. They were encouraged to look beyond themselves and identify real needs within their communities, recognizing that lasting change begins with small, intentional actions.
Youth take center stage.
Afterwards, the programme moved into a more relaxed and interactive phase, with fun activities and ice-breaker moments designed to help participants connect, engage, and build new friendships.
Young people were actively engaged throughout the conference, from the Ice Breaker Session to interactive activities and speaker sessions on interpersonal relationships, advocacy, and compassion. The program ensured that participants aged 11 to 18 were not just attendees but active contributors in every stage of learning, reflection, and engagement.
Centering connection, joy, and youth expression
Amidst the powerful conversations and meaningful exchanges, YEPC intentionally created space for joy, connection, and authentic youth expression. Recognizing that engagement goes beyond listening, the program wove in moments that allowed young people to relax, interact, and truly connect.
Closing Reflections
As for YEPC, we wrapped up the day feeling fulfilled and energized by the level of active participation and genuine engagement from young people throughout the program. From start to finish, it was clear that YEPC is not just about bringing young people together but about creating a space where they can meaningfully engage, share perspectives, and take ownership of important conversations.
Echoing the spirit of the day, the conversations and shared experiences reinforced that growth, advocacy, and impact are ongoing journeys, ones that are strengthened through community, collaboration, and consistency. There is a deep sense of pride in the vibrant network of young people
