Celebrating Resilience and Hope: CIHP Graduates 145 Adolescents Across its AYP Hubs

On April 25, 2025, a wave of pride swept through CIHP as 145 adolescents and young people (AYP), trained across its three AYP Hubs in Ikoyi, Ikeja, and Mushin, Lagos State came together for a single, unforgettable graduation ceremony. It wasn’t just about handing out certificates, it was a celebration of resilience, transformation, and the bold dreams of a new generation.

Since its inception in 2022, the Young Achievers Program (YAP) in Mushin has empowered adolescents with technical and vocational training, while also nurturing their physical, mental and psychological well-being. In 2023, the journey expanded with the launch of the STEM Hub for Empowerment (S.H.E.) in Ikeja, focused on equipping young women with technology and digital skills in male-dominated fields. This vision grew further with the establishment of the enhanced S.H.E. Centre in Ikoyi, reaching even more vulnerable adolescents, particularly those living in slum communities, with a blend of vocational training, STEM education, a wellness center, and a safe shelter.

The graduation brought together a distinguished group of leaders, representatives from the Lagos State Government, mentors, program leaders, and advocates who have walked this journey with CIHP. Among them were Dr. Bola Oyeledun (CIHP CEO), Dr. Toyin Smith (CEO, Toreset Medical Advisory and member CIHP Board of Directors), Mrs Fifelomo Dawodu (Legal practitioner and a member of CIHP AYP Program Steering Committee), Dr. Ayeni Olasumbo from the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Temitayo Oyedemi (PATA Program Manager), parents and caregivers of the beneficiaries.

Each graduate leaves the hub with hands-on experience in diverse fields ranging from coding, digital marketing, and tech engineering to tie and dye, catering, fashion design, makeup artistry, and hairdressing. Beyond technical skills, they carry with them life skills and newfound confidence and self-belief. As part of the celebration, each graduate presented a capstone project, a direct expression of skills acquired during the training. These projects are a powerful reflection of their growth, creativity, and commitment.

[Click here to explore the graduates’ capstone projects]

One of the Highlights of the day was a profound testimonial shared by a parent:

“This hub saved my daughter from depression. She wrote JAMB (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) and gained admission but unfortunately, my husband died and she had to forfeit the admission. She since she started coming to the SHE Centre I saw changes in her… I am so grateful” –Mrs Daniel Watch full testimonial here.

This story and many more are proof that equipping young people with valuable with tools and skills, can rebuild their confidence and shape their future.

Looking ahead, CIHP remains committed to empowering more young people. Sustaining and expanding this vision requires your support. You can partner with us through financial sponsorship, mentorship and advocacy.

If you would like to partner with CIHP on the AYP programs, please send an email to info@cihpng.org.