In a bold move to empower young Nigerians for change, Youth Awakening Towards Leadership Initiatives (YATLI) hosted a transformational Mastermind Workshop in Abuja, drawing professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders focused on personal and community growth.
The free, day-long workshop—hosted at Frankville Hotel in Karu—brought together dynamic voices in the personal growth and leadership space, delivering practical knowledge, strategy, and emotional intelligence tools designed to awaken purpose and inspire action.
At its core, the YATLI initiative is built around the belief that sustainable change starts with the individual. By creating spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and knowledge sharing, YATLI empowers youth to become not just better versions of themselves, but architects of solutions in their communities.
“We’re not just teaching skills—we’re unlocking leaders,” said a YATLI coordinator. “This is about equipping young people with the mindset, emotional strength, and clarity to lead in any sector they find themselves.”
Coach Sam Obafemi, popularly known as “The Octopus”, set the tone for the day with a deep dive into the neuroscience of emotional intelligence. Drawing from his personal development framework—modeled around the eight limbs of the octopus—he guided participants in unlearning negative emotional habits and building a new mindset rooted in self-awareness, resilience, and empowered thinking.
“The battles we fight are not always physical,” Sam said. “They often begin in the mind—and that’s where we must win first.”
Growth strategist Araga Dominic delivered a high-energy session on developing clarity and direction in business and leadership. Through his 4-Step Strategic Sprint, participants engaged in team exercises that broke down complex business challenges into actionable strategies.
“This is how you move from being busy to being effective,” Araga told participants. “It’s about thinking clearly, acting boldly, and learning consistently.”
Closing the event was Alexis Bekes, who challenged participants to build sustainable personal growth systems.
His minimalist yet powerful approach emphasized the importance of daily rituals, consistency, and accountability structures as tools to anchor long-term transformation.
“The most powerful change starts quietly,” he said. “If you can control your thoughts, you can shape your life.”
Beyond the keynotes, the workshop featured interactive mind-mapping sessions, roundtable conversations, and Q&A segments that gave participants the opportunity to engage directly with speakers and one another.
Attendees formed new accountability partnerships, received free coaching resources, and left with practical action plans tailored to their goals.
Participants were also treated to free breakfast and lunch, and received a customized jotter and pen, making the learning experience not only impactful but memorable.
This workshop is just one step in a broader movement.
YATLI is positioning itself as a national force for mindset reformation, leadership development, and community impact, particularly among youth.
In a country where young people make up over 60% of the population, initiatives like YATLI are not just timely—they are essential.
“This is a mindset revolution,” one participant shared. “We came curious and left empowered.”
With its unique blend of emotional mastery, strategic thinking, and practical systems, the YATLI Mastermind Workshop is more than an event—it’s a call to action.
