Enterprise and Leadership Development Academy (ELDA), a practical problem-solving platform for Nigeria’s leadership eco-system has graduated its first pioneer cohort as part of its mission to embed strong leadership values across sectors.
The first cohort which comprises of middle level managers with diverse backgrounds, professionals completed their qualifications in Middle Management Impact Programme (MMIP)
Niyi Adekunle, co-founder and chairman of the Governing Council of ELDA in his welcome speech at the event in Lagos, said that the institution’s first cohort represents the beginning of a long term mission to embed strong leadership values across sectors.
According to Adekunle, Africa’s future will be shaped by leaders who combine integrity with innovation and who understand the unique context of our societies.
“Our inaugural cohort demonstrates that when young minds are equipped with the right tools, they can design solutions that uplift communities and industries. ‘We are building leaders who understand that leadership is not a title, it is influence anchored in responsibility. Our mission is long-term, and each graduating cohort will form part of a leadership pipeline that Africa’s urgently needs,” he said.
Niyi Adesanya, co-founder of the institution said the significance of ELDA, founded in April, 2025, lies in its commitment to rewriting Africa’s enterprise and leadership narrative from stories of challenges to creativity, capability, competence, integrity, and innovation.
“ELDA exists to nurture leaders who will influence reforms, build sustainable enterprises, and strengthen communities”, Adesanya said.
On his part, Jide Soyemi,co-founder said the institution see Nigeria not just as a participant in Africa’s development story, but as a driver of it.
He said the first cohort and participants engaged in ELDA’s hands-on, multidisciplinary curriculum, built around leadership, enterprise development, digital fluency, systems thinking, and practical problem-solving.
In her speech at the event, Olawumi Abiola, the valedictorian, said that the programme aside from been a transformative experience for them, but it pushed the graduating set beyond their comfort zones and challenged them to grow.
“From self-awareness to emotional intelligence, we’ve explored the depths of our own strengths and weaknesses and learned to leverage them to achieve excellence,” Abiola said.
Yemi Adedeji, who gave the commencement speech at the event, described ELDA as a bold intervention in Nigeria’s leadership eco-system.
ELDA’s leadership has also announced plans to expand its programmes, develop strategic partnerships with universities and private-sector organisations, and create research and innovation hubs aimed at solving Africa’s most pressing challenges. There are also plans to introduce new fellowships, executive programmes and incubation platforms for emerging entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators.
