IN a decisive move to address youth unemployment and skills gaps in Northern Nigeria, the YES IRIS Alumni Network, in partnership with Give for Good and My Krew, successfully organized the LEAD360: Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Kano on November 29 and 30, 2025.
The two-day intensive bootcamp brought together over 70 young people aged 16–25 from across Kano State, providing them with practical leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital skills designed to translate ideas into action and opportunities. LEAD360 was purposefully structured to move beyond motivational talks, focusing instead on hands-on learning, real-world application, mentorship, and access to industry leaders.
The program was honoured by the presence of His Highness, the Tafidan Kano, who delivered a keynote address on Youth Leadership and Civic Responsibility. In his remarks, he challenged participants to see themselves not merely as job seekers but as problem-solvers, innovators, and active contributors to national development. His address set the tone for a bootcamp anchored on accountability, service, and innovation.
Throughout the two days, participants engaged in highly interactive sessions on leadership development, personal branding, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. The sessions were facilitated by seasoned professionals and mentors, including QalbSaleem, Sumayya Tofa, Amina Ibrahim Idris, Ayo Fagbemi, Khadija Sulaiman Jebu, Nasir Auwal, Abubakar AlMuhandis, Adam Abubakar, Aidah, and Arc. Khalifa Rabiu. Learning activities featured group work, real-life case studies, digital exercises, and peer reviews, ensuring participants actively practiced newly acquired skills.
A major highlight of LEAD360 was the Mini Pitch Challenge and Entrepreneurship Showcase, where selected participants presented innovative business ideas before a panel of mentors and ecosystem leaders. The challenge showcased youth-driven solutions with strong social and economic impact.
Echo Bloom, founded by Kubra, emerged as the overall winner. Echo Bloom is an affordable reusable sanitary pad enterprise targeting underprivileged girls and women, promoting hygienic, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable menstrual health solutions. Judges commended the initiative for its scalability, sustainability, and strong social impact. The project will receive continued mentorship and growth support.
Second place was awarded to Grow Online with Deborah, an AI-powered digital growth initiative, while Zaman Africa, a youth-led lifestyle and creative entrepreneurship brand, emerged third.
Beyond the competition, LEAD360 provided a strong platform for networking, mentorship, and long-term collaboration. Participants departed with refined business models, leadership action plans, digital tools, and personal brand statements, as well as ongoing access to mentors committed to supporting their growth beyond the bootcamp.
The organizers emphasized that LEAD360 is not a one-off event, but the foundation of a growing youth development pipeline aimed at producing confident leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across Northern Nigeria.
The organizers expressed profound appreciation to Adam Abubakar, Founder of Brave Minds Attorney, for his exceptional support throughout the planning and execution of the bootcamp, including the provision of hotel accommodation and refreshments.
Special thanks were also extended to all facilitators, partners, volunteers, and the highly committed participants whose resilience and enthusiasm contributed to the success of the program.
Following the success of its maiden edition, LEAD360 is set to become a recurring youth empowerment platform, delivering practical skills, mentorship, and real opportunities for young Nigerians to transform innovative ideas into sustainable ventures.
As Kano continues to emerge as a hub of youthful innovation and enterprise, LEAD360 stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when leadership, opportunity, and action converge.