LIFE Foundation Brings Art and Culture into Teen Leadership Camp

For the teenagers who participated in the 2026 Teen Leadership Camp organised by the Literacy Integration and Formal Education (LIFE) Foundation, leadership lessons extended beyond the usual conversations about confidence, public speaking and career choices.

Over four weeks in Lagos, participants from Nigeria, France and Belgium were also introduced to different forms of creative expression and encouraged to think about the place of art and culture in society.

Held from July 27 to August 21, the camp was themed “Developing Emotionally Intelligent Leaders” and brought together teenagers for workshops, debates, community service projects and team-building activities.

The arts featured as part of the camp’s wider effort to expose participants to different ways of thinking and expressing themselves. Through creative sessions and conversations around art and culture, the teenagers were encouraged to look beyond conventional academic and career paths and consider how creativity can shape the way they understand themselves and their communities.

The camp also provided an opportunity for the teenagers to interact with professionals from the creative industry. Among the guest speakers were actress Ini Edo and Chioma Ude, founder of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), who brought perspectives from Nollywood and the film industry into the conversations.

Nero Asibelua of the Society for Art Collection also participated in the programme, offering the teenagers another perspective on the relationship between art, society and cultural expression.

These encounters formed part of a broader programme that included sessions on emotional intelligence, public speaking, environmental protection and career exploration. Participants also took part in community service and team-building activities designed to improve collaboration, critical thinking and communication.

For LIFE Foundation, the inclusion of art and culture was part of creating a more rounded experience for young people. Rather than presenting leadership solely through the lens of professional achievement, the camp exposed participants to different forms of expression and encouraged them to engage with issues beyond their immediate environment.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Camp Coordinator Vivian Asibelua reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to raising compassionate, emotionally intelligent and purpose-driven young people who can contribute meaningfully to their communities. The programme brought together facilitators from different professional backgrounds, including Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, Fortune Amadi, Dr. Chizor Malize, Evelyne Onwueme, Dr. Enahoro Okhae, Lady E. Lauretta Asemota, Nicola Tofomowo, Stephanie Busari and Leticia Bertrand.

Other guest speakers included Ola Williams of Microsoft, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh of Zinox and Ado Oseragbaje of Heritage Oil. Walter Wagbatsoma served as patron.

Founded in 2004 by Elvira Salleras, LIFE Foundation is a non-profit organisation focused on education, leadership development, mentorship and community-based initiatives for children and young people.