By Precious Orunduyi & Ifeoluwa Adeyeye
The Centre for Storytelling and Development Initiative (CSDI) has concluded its 12-week Storytelling for Development Programme 2025.
The virtual graduation ceremony which was held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, marked the end of the programme which began on June 21, 2025.
Of the 62 participants who started the programme, only 38 were deemed worthy of graduation after they successfully completed the requirements for the award of a certificate of completion.
Addressing the graduands on the theme, “Telling Your Own Story”, Mrs Bosede Akinbolusere, a Gender Equality and Women Empowerment trainer at the African Leadership University, USA, said storytellers should start with telling their personal story before others’ stories, to build trust and connection with the audience.
She lamented that Nigerians and Africans, as a whole, often do not tell their own stories, urging the CSDI’s graduands to start changing the narrative.
She added that authenticity, consistency, and creativity are key to an excellent storytelling career. She advised the graduates to employ visuals, leverage technologies, and stay rooted in their niche to make an impact.
“Learn to always tell your own story, no matter how small it is. How will the world believe the stories you’re telling, if you can’t tell your own story? Create an online presence and let it reflect your niche,” Akinbolusere said.
The graduation ceremony continued with the presentation of certificates to the graduates.
As part of the programme, awards were given to five graduands in five different categories.
Similoluwa Ayibiowu, emerged as the Overall Active Trainee; Olamide Iwala was declared the winner of the Best Engaging Short Video.
Oludayo Similoluwa won the Best Engaging Short Article; Ifeyinwa Francis topped the Most Active Forum Contributor, while William Olaleye, pitched the Best Story Idea.
Also present at the ceremony are the CSDI’s Board of Trustees, including Mr Lawal Dahiru, Mrs Jemimah David-Makeri, Mrs Precious Oluwole and Mr Anthony Okoboshi.
One of the programme team, Miss Rukayat Fatia, in her vote of thanks, applauded the graduands’ dedication and the efforts of each training moderator.
She further appreciated CSDI Founder, Mr. Saheed Ibrahim, whose vision had created a platform where young people can find their voices in storytelling.
