TEENS
PAAF TEENS
MAGAZINE
Editor-in-Chief
Francisca O. Okwulehie
TechColumn
Betty Nnamdi Ibemgbo
PersonalDevelopmentColumn
Joy Godwyns
MagazineDesign
Francisca Okwulehie (Moncoeur Global Concept)
Message from the Foun
Dear PAAF Teens,
Welcome to another exciting year with PAAF TEENS Magazine! Our goal is to inspire, educate, and empower you with stories, insights, and advice that help you navigate teenage life with confidence Each edition is crafted with you in mind, covering friendships, self-growth, education, and real-life challenges, so you always feel heard and supported. We encourage you to dream big, stay curious, and never stop believing in yourself.
Enjoy!
PrinceAdeyinkaAlliFounder, Prince Adeyinka Alli Foundation (PAAF)
Featured Article Nkechi Komolafe
PAAF NEWS Report Kayode Oladele
Editor’s Note
Dear PAAF Teens,
In this edition of Teens in Leadership and Social Good, we highlight five inspiring young changemakers from Africa and beyond who are making a difference. We also explore essential skills every young leader should develop and feature an insightful article by our new columnist, Teens Coach NK, on Discovering the Leader in You. Plus, don’t miss our engaging leadership quiz to test your skills! This edition is packed with inspiration and you don’t want to miss out!
Cheers!
FranciscaO.Okwulehie
Programmes Director
Prince Adeyinka Alli Foundation (PAAF)
African History
"He
who learns, teaches." - Ethiopian Proverb
Sankara, often called "Africa's Che Guevara," was a revolutionary leader and the President of Burkina Faso from 1983 until his assassination in 1987. He championed selfreliance, anti-corruption policies, women's empowerment, and environmental sustainability, transforming the country through bold initiatives such as mass vaccination programs, land redistribution, and infrastructure development. Sankara rejected foreign aid dependency, promoted local production, and encouraged Africans to reclaim their dignity and economic independence. His leadership, though short-lived, left a lasting legacy of radical reform, Pan-Africanism, and the fight against neocolonialism, inspiring generations across the continent.
Thomas
ThomasSankara
Revolutionary Leader
5INSPIRINGBIO’SOFYOUNG CHANGEMAKERS
Hello PAAF Teens,
We know you love to dream big and we have compiled five amazing bios and profiles of young changemakers in Africa and the world. We hope this inspires ypu to be so much more, than you can dream of.
KiaraNirghin(SouthAfrica) ClimateChangeInnovator
Kiara Nirghin, a South African teen scientist, won the Google Science Fair at just 16 years old for her invention of a superabsorbentmaterialmadefromorangeandavocadopeels.Her innovationhelpsretainwaterindrought-strickensoil,providing a sustainable and low-cost solution to agricultural challenges in Africa. She has been featured in Time magazine and continuestoinspireyoungscientistsworldwide.
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5INSPIRINGBIO’SOFYOUNG CHANGEMAKERS
2
KelvinDoe(SierraLeone) Self-TaughtEngineer& Inventor
Kelvin Doe, a self-taught engineer from Sierra Leone, became famous at 15 when he built his own radio station from scrap materials. Growing up in a poor community, he created homemade batteries and generators to provide electricity to homes. His innovative work caught the attention of MIT, where he became the youngest person ever invited to their Visiting Practitioners Program. His story continues to inspire young inventorsacrossAfrica.
5INSPIRINGBIO’SOFYOUNG CHANGEMAKERS
3
ZurielOduwole(Nigeria/USA) Education&Girls’Rights Advocate
ZurielOduwole,bornin2002toNigerianandMauritianparents, is a filmmaker and girls’ education advocate. At just 10 years old,shebeganinterviewingworldleaders,includingformerU.S. President Barack Obama and African presidents, to promote girls’ education. She has directed documentaries highlighting theimportanceofeducationforyounggirlsandhasspokenat theUnitedNations,encouragingAfricangovernmentstoinvest in education. Zuriel was named one of the world’s most influentialteenagersbyForbes.
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5INSPIRINGBIO’SOFYOUNG CHANGEMAKERS
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YashGupta(India/USA) FounderofSightLearning
YashGupta,originallyfromIndiaandraisedintheU.S.,founded Sight Learning at age 14 to provide prescription eyeglasses to underprivileged students. After breaking his own glasses and struggling in school, he realized how important vision is for learning. Since then, his initiative has donated thousands of glasses to students in the U.S., Mexico, and Honduras, helping themexcelacademically.
5INSPIRINGBIO’SOFYOUNG CHANGEMAKERS
5
GitanjaliRao(USA/India)
YoungScientist&Inventor
Gitanjali Rao, an American-Indian scientist, was named TIME Magazine’s first-ever Kid of the Year in 2020 for her work in science and technology. At 11, she invented Tethys, a device that detects lead contamination in water faster and cheaper than traditional methods. She later developed an AI-powered app, Kindly, to detect and prevent cyberbullying. Through her initiatives, she encourages young people to use science to solveglobalproblems.
Skills Every Teen Leader Needs
DearPAAFTeens,
Teenleadershipisaboutmorethanjust holdingatitle.It’saboutinspiringothers, making an impact, and continuously growing.Whetherleadingaschoolclub, a community project, or an online movement, certain key skills are essentialforsuccess.
Communication
Skills 1.
A great leader must know how to express ideas clearly, listen actively, and engage with people effectively. Strong communication builds trust, resolves conflicts, and ensures that a leader’svisioniswellunderstood.
2. Emotional Intelligence
Understanding and managing emotions is crucial for leadership. A teen leader should be empathetic, self-aware,andabletohandlestress without losing focus. This helps in building strong relationships and motivatingteammembers.
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Photo source: Pinterest
3. Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Skills
Skills Every Teen Leader Needs. Pt 2.
4. Adaptability and Resilience
Changeisinevitable,andleadersmust learn to embrace it. Whether dealing with failure, criticism, or unexpected obstacles, resilience helps leaders bounce back stronger and keep movingforward.
5. Teamwork and Collaboration
Leaders often face challenges that require quick and effective decision-making. Teens must develop critical thinking skills to analyze situations, weigh options, and choose the best course of action.
A leader is only as strong as their team. Knowing how to work with diverse individuals, delegate tasks, and inspire cooperation is key to achievingcommongoals.
Overcoming Challenges as a Young Leader
Leadership comes with its own set of challenges, and for young leaders, these obstacles can sometimes feel overwhelming. From dealing with self-doubt to gaining the respect of others, overcoming these hurdles is essentialforgrowthandsuccess.
1.
Building Confidence
2. Gaining Respect and Credibility
Young leaders often find it difficult to gain respect due to their age. To overcome this, focus on proving your competence through actions. Show dedication, take responsibility, and be open to feedback. When people see your commitment and skills, they will takeyouseriously.
Manyyoungleadersstrugglewithselfdoubt, especially when working with older or more experienced individuals. Thekeytoovercomingthisisbelieving in your abilities, continuously learning, and not being afraid to voice your ideas. Confidence grows with experience,sotakeonchallengeswith apositivemindset.
Photo source: Pinterest
Overcoming Challenges as a Young Leader Pt 2.
3. Managing Criticism and Failure
4. Balancing Leadership and Personal Life
Criticism is inevitable in leadership. Insteadofseeingitasasetback,useit asalearningopportunity.Constructive criticism helps improve decisionmaking, while failures teach resilience. Every great leader has faced obstacles, what matters is how you rise after falling. It’s important to see criticism as a feedback to work with and not an attack on your capabilities or personality. Not all criticisms are alsotrue,sodonotwastetimethinking aboutthem.
Leading while balancing academics, family, and personal time can be overwhelming. Prioritization and time management are key. Set boundaries, delegate tasks, and don’t hesitate to ask for support when needed. Be prepared to accept that some days you may be able to strike a perfect balance on both sides and it does not meanyouareafailure.
Photo source: Pinterest
To be in charge is often very interestingandrewarding,butit doesn'tjustfallonyourlaps The fact is that anyone can be a leader,althoughthequestionis, what does it take to become a leader? How do you build the leaderinyou?
To lead, you need to start from somewhere You need to start from your family, your church, your school, workplace, business place, your social networks, friends or even on your street and in your chat groups Leaders do not shy away from responsibilities That's what determines a great andeffectiveleader
Here are tips to consider to be aneffectiveleader
HaveAPlan
Youneedtohavearoadmapof what you want to achieve And while you are following a plan, be flexible Do not just take decisions in an abstract manner Find out what the objective of your leadership is Be sure of where you are taking yourfollowersto
ARY OF A EEN AUNTY
DISCOVERINGTHELEADER INYOU TOPIC:
You need to write down your plans and follow them through If not, you will end up in a doldrum. You must show the way. You need to model how you expect your followers to behave. Your attitude must be pristine.Thismeansyouhaveto liveaboveboard.
Besureofwhereyouare
EmpowerYourFollowers
You should not be a one-man show. Effective leaders lead leaders. Your followers must be able to step into your shoes at anytime. That's how people will knowthatyouhaveledwell.But when things go wrong everytime you are absent, you havenotdoneagoodjob.
BeOrganized
Donotbeclumsywithactivities. Be organized at all times. When you want to hold a program, write out the roles and tasks. Delegate them and monitor them. And make sure you carry everyone along. Do not be an 'African Time' leader. Use your phoneorganizertoplanwell.
ExpectAnything
People will get on your nerves, make sure it does not get to you. Wear a thick skin. Always separate issues from the person. Be calm in the face of provocation. Make sure no one derails your plans by their actions. Issues will also come up. Accusations, questions or oppositions will arise along the way. Be ready to explain. Be ready to give answers. Ensure you are always able to think on yourfeet.
Teens Coach NK ‘Nkechi Komolafe’
PromoteTeamwork
Leadership is a two-way affair Learn while you lead Do not think you know it all Allow your followers to contribute Consult followers, ask them to make suggestions It will save you a lot of stress Learn from them too Make it a team work You are only privileged to be their leader Wherever you are leading, it is a rare privilege Many people meet their destiny helpers while they are leading an insignificant group Remember, he who is faithful in little,biggerresponsibilitywillbe entrustedtohim
DIARY OF A TEEN AUNTY
With Teens Coach NK ‘Nkechi Komolafe’
DISCOVERINGTHELEADER INYOU TOPIC:
Do not be caught unawares. When your noble plans fail, have something to fall back on. Makesureyourfollowersarenot left orphaned. When you are leading, you are there to solve problems for others. When you have this at the back of your mind, you will work towards making life good and easier for others.
Be Knowledgeable And Experienced
As a leader, you need to read wide, make researches, be knowledgeable, be intelligent, smart and proactive, and always think ahead These are thethingsthatwillsetyouapart from the rest Always have a planBforanytask
Always have the right mindset. Be ready to take charge at all times! Choose to be different! Lead! Your season to shine has come.
Coach Nkechi Komolafe is a Teens Coach with over ten years of experience mentoring teenagers in education and faith-based sectors. She is the founder of TEENSCODE Foundation, dedicated to promoting quality education (SDG 4) and moral character development (SDG 16) among teens, equipping them with valuesforabrighterfuture
WHAT TYPE OF LEADER ARE YOU?
A Fun Quiz to Discover Your Leadership Style!
Answer the following questions honestly,andcounthowmanyofeach letter (A, B, C, or D) you choose. At the end,checkyourresultstofindoutyour leadershipstyle!
1)Howdoyouhandleagroupproject?
A) I take charge and assign roles to ensurewemeetourgoal.
B) I encourage everyone’s ideas and ensureallvoicesareheard.
C) I lead by example, working hard andexpectingotherstofollow.
D) I find creative solutions and motivatetheteamwithenthusiasm.
3) If a conflict arises in your team, whatdoyoudo?
A) Step in, take control, and resolve it logically.
B)Listentobothsidesandhelpfinda compromise.
C) Stay calm and lead by example, hopingotherswillfollowsuit.
D) Use humor or a creative approach toeasethetension.
2) What’s your biggest strength as a leader?
A) Making quick and effective decisions.
B) Bringing people together and promotingteamwork.
C) Staying focused, determined, and settinghighstandards.
D) Thinking outside the box and inspiringothers.
4)Whatmotivatesyoutolead?
A) Achieving success and seeing results.
B) Helping others and building a strongcommunity.
C) Overcoming challenges and provingmyabilities.
D) Exploring new ideas and making a difference.
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Photo
WHAT TYPE OF LEADER ARE
YOU?
Pt 2.
A Fun Quiz to Discover Your Leadership Style!
Answer the following questions honestly,andcounthowmanyofeach letter (A, B, C, or D) you choose. At the end,checkyourresultstofindoutyour leadershipstyle!
5)Whichquotebestdescribesyour leadershipstyle?
A)"Aleaderisonewhoknowstheway, goestheway,andshowstheway."–JohnMaxwell
B)"Leadershipisnotaboutbeingin charge.It’sabouttakingcareofthosein yourcharge."–SimonSinek
C)"Successisnoaccident.Itishard work,perseverance,andsacrifice."–Pelé
D)"Creativityisintelligencehavingfun." –AlbertEinstein
7) How do you celebrate team success?
A) Set new goals and challenge the teamtoaimhigher.
B)Acknowledgeeveryone’s contributionsandexpressgratitude.
C) Reflect on lessons learned and prepareforthenextchallenge.
D)Organizeafuneventorrewardthe teamcreatively.
6)Yourteamisstrugglingwithatask. Whatdoyoudo?
A)Takechargeandcreateasolidplan togetthingsdone.
B)Checkinoneveryone’swell-being andoffersupport.
C)Pushthroughandsetanexample ofhardwork.
D)Suggestafun,innovativewayto solvetheproblem.
Now,counthowmanyofeachletteryou picked!
�� MostlyA’s–TheCommander Youarearesults-drivenleader!Youtakecharge,make decisionsquickly,andfocusonachievinggoals Peoplerespect yourconfidenceandabilitytoleadunderpressure.
�� MostlyB’s–TheTeamBuilder Youareapeople-centeredleader!Youbelieveincollaboration, listeningtoothers,andcreatingapositiveteamenvironment Yourleadershipstyleisbasedonunityandsupport.
�� MostlyC’s–TheRoleModel Youleadbyexample!Yourworkethic,discipline,and perseveranceinspireothers Youbelieveactionsspeaklouder thanwords,andyouencourageotherstofollowinyourfootsteps �� MostlyD’s–TheVisionary Youareacreativeandinspirationalleader!Youthinkoutsidethe box,bringfreshideastothetable,andinspireotherstosee possibilitiesbeyondtheordinary
Photo source: Pinterest
testamentto lasting about addressing immediate needs but also about laying the foundation for a sustainable future. She is a beacon of hope, inspiring others to see the potential in every communityandthepowerofservice.
Prince Adeyinka Alli Foundation (PAAF) discovered Blessing Osasenaga Agbonavbare's commendable efforts in community development during the course of her project planning in Itapa-Ekiti. Impressed by her dedicationtoimprovingthelivesofyoungpeoplethrough skill acquisition and her innovative projects, including the borehole initiative and entrepreneurial training, PAAF has expressed its full commitment to supporting her skills acquisitionproject.
Report by Kayode Oladele
PAAF commends Blessing's unwavering passion for communityempowerment,hereffortstopromoteselfreliance, and her strategic approach to creating sustainable development in rural areas. By providing financial and technical support, PAAF aims to bolster Blessing’smission,ensuringthattheyouthinItapa-Ekiti continue to benefit from practical skills that will help them become economically independent and capable of contributing to the overall development of their community.
Riddles DID YOU KNOW?
Iamathree-digitnumber.Mytens digitisfivemorethanmyonesdigit, andmyhundredsdigitiseightless thanmytensdigit.Whatnumberam I? 1.
2.Amanandhissonwereinacarcrash. The father died, and the son was rushed to the hospital. The doctor looked at the boy and said, “I can’t operate on him, he’smyson!”Howisthispossible?
3.Themoreyoutake,themoreyouleave behind.WhatamI?
Malala Yousafzai was just 15 when she survived an assassination attempt for advocating girls' education? She later became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate at 17!
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