By Cecilia Ogezi (Civil Society Correspondent)
The Global Lead of Leadership By Design International Initiative (LBD), Daniel Ezimadu, is spearheading efforts to shape the next generation of Nigerian leaders through mentorship and empowerment.
In a recent interview, Ezimadu shared insights into how LBD is helping young Nigerians unlock their potential and create meaningful impact in their communities.
Ezimadu noted that the core of LBD's mission is a commitment to equipping youth with the skills and mindset needed to lead with integrity and purpose. "Leadership is not just about skills," Ezimadu stated. "It’s about discovering who you are, embracing growth, and channeling it into service that fosters positive change." Under his leadership, LBD has built an ecosystem centered on mentorship, personal development, and community engagement, which has enabled young Nigerians to thrive as leaders.
According to him,one standout example is Grace, a young woman who joined LBD’s leadership conference in 2018. Struggling with low self-esteem, Grace found her passion for education through the initiative’s mentorship program. Today, she leads a community initiative that mentors over 200 girls in rural Nigeria, helping them stay in school and pursue higher education.
He added that LBD’s mentorship model is tailored to each participant’s unique needs, ensuring that every individual receives the support required to achieve their personal and professional goals. Ezimadu emphasized that this personalized approach is central to their success, noting, "We understand that every young person has a different journey, and we work to ensure that mentorship is aligned with their aspirations while upholding core leadership principles."
The Global lead pointed out that despite LBD’s achievements, the organization faces challenges, particularly related to funding and resource allocation. With demand for its programs often exceeding available resources, Ezimadu noted the organization’s focus on exploring diverse revenue streams, including partnerships and grants, as well as leveraging technology to extend its reach. "Resource constraints push us to innovate," he said. "We are using online platforms and grassroots models to ensure our programs impact as many young people as possible."
Another key to LBD’s success is its emphasis on community-led growth. By empowering local leaders and alumni to oversee programs, LBD reduces operational costs while ensuring that initiatives remain culturally relevant and sustainable. "This approach fosters leadership from the ground up, creating a lasting impact," Ezimadu explained.
The organization also places a strong emphasis on feedback from participants, using surveys and focus groups to continuously refine its programs. "Listening to our participants and mentors helps us improve and adapt to the changing needs of the youth we serve," Ezimadu said.
Looking to the future, Ezimadu is optimistic about LBD’s potential to create lasting change. The organization plans to expand its mentorship network, increase program accessibility, and integrate new workshops on critical skills such as financial literacy and digital leadership. Additionally, LBD is exploring international expansion, with a vision to reach young leaders across Africa and other emerging markets. "By scaling our programs, we aim to influence a larger global community of young leaders committed to positive change," Ezimadu shared.
Ezimadu is also excited about the role of emerging technologies in expanding the impact of LBD’s programs. Virtual mentorship platforms, AI-driven personalized guidance, and gamified learning environments are set to revolutionize how young people engage with leadership development. These tools, according to Ezimadu, will make mentorship more accessible and provide immersive, interactive experiences that better prepare youth for leadership roles.
He reaffirmed LBD’s commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. "Together, we are building a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow one leader at a time," he said. Through mentorship, community engagement, and innovation, LBD is empowering young Nigerians to lead with purpose, resilience, and integrity, paving the way for a transformative future both within Nigeria and beyond. NNL.
