Mentees of the Zion Oshiobugie Mentorship Program Empower 300+ Children Through “Gift a Future” Legacy Project in Warri

In a powerful demonstration of leadership and compassion, mentees of the Zion Oshiobugie Mentorship Program—Israel Omote, Ajoko Omolade, Treasure Edeguafe, Mrs. Oluchi Azuka, Chukwu Felicity, Nancy Okiemute, Alexander Idowu, Okudor Miracle, Oghotomo Glory, and Victoria Cobham Bassey—empowered more than 300 orphaned and underprivileged children through the inspiring “Gift a Future” initiative in the Iyara community of Warri, Delta State.

The outreach, hosted at CleverMinds Free Nursery and Primary School, provided children with school bags, notebooks, stationery, and motivational support, ensuring that no child feels forgotten in their pursuit of education. Guests, volunteers, and supporters attended the event in solidarity, witnessing firsthand the hope being restored to vulnerable children through purpose-driven youth initiatives.

This milestone reflects the transformative leadership model pioneered by Mr. Zion Oshiobugie, founder of CleverMinds Educational Foundation, author of Starting Your NGO: How to Start, Grow & Get Funding for Your NGO, and visionary behind the Zion Oshiobugie Youth Mentorship Program.

The year-long programme is designed to help young Nigerians aged 16 to 25 discover, develop, and deploy their gifts and talents in ways that positively influence society. Participants undergo a structured four-phase model—Discover, Develop, Design, and Deploy—focusing on self-awareness, leadership, skill development, community impact, and life planning. The initiative also offers full sponsorship for JAMB registration, paid internships, international passport support, and mentorship opportunities with industry professionals.

Through this process, mentees are guided to translate personal growth into public service. Projects like Gift a Future are practical expressions of this training, allowing participants to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings.

“We are not raising spectators,” Mr. Oshiobugie said. “We are raising solution-bringers, young people who understand their value and are ready to serve their generation.”
The Management of CleverMinds Free Nursery and Primary School expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support, noting that most of the beneficiaries are children who have experienced trauma, extreme poverty, and the risk of dropping out. Currently, CleverMinds provides free education, daily meals, STEM learning, psychosocial support, and a school farm for sustainability, helping break cycles of poverty one child at a time.

Mr. Oshiobugie continues to operate his mentorship and education programmes in both the UK and Nigeria, ensuring that the ripple effect of empowerment reaches across borders. By 2027, CleverMinds aims to open a full orphanage home and by 2035, expand to reach 20,000 children across Africa.
“When young people take ownership of community transformation, we begin to see the kind of Africa we dream about,” he noted.

The “Gift a Future” initiative is only the beginning. Supporters can donate to fund education and meals for the children, sponsor mentorship and youth development programmes, partner on community transformation projects, or volunteer their skills and expertise. Together, these collective efforts ensure that every child, regardless of background, has a future worth celebrating.

Zion Oshiobugie is a youth development leader, educator, and mentor whose journey from domestic help to national changemaker continues to inspire many. Recognised for his work with young people and his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Edo State, he remains dedicated to raising a new generation of responsible, well-equipped, and visionary Nigerian leaders who will transform their communities and influence the world.