CENTER FOR CREATIVE YOUTH INTERNATIONAL (CCYI)

Raising a New Breed of Youths, Leaders and Entrepreneurs

Promoting Creativity • Integrity • Excellence

1. WHO WE ARE

Center for Creative Youth International (CCYI) is a faith-based, non-governmental youth, leadership and entrepreneurship development organization committed to raising a new generation of creative, responsible, innovative and transformational young people.

Founded from a passion to see young people discover purpose, develop capacity and positively influence their communities, CCYI works across schools, tertiary institutions, churches, communities, organizations and emerging leadership networks.

Our work is built around the conviction that the transformation of Africa begins with the transformation of its people—particularly its young people.

We therefore invest in mind development, leadership formation, entrepreneurship, creativity, spiritual growth, character development, civic responsibility and practical skills.

2. OUR VISION

To raise a new generation of outstanding leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers who will transform Africa and influence the world through integrity, innovation, selfless service, excellence and kingdom-inspired values.

We envision young people who are equipped to:

Discover and maximize their potential.
Lead with integrity and responsibility.
Create sustainable businesses and employment opportunities.
Contribute meaningfully to national development.
Use technology and creativity to solve problems.
Serve humanity with compassion.
Influence society positively through their values and convictions.
Advance the principles of God's Kingdom through their lives and leadership.

3. OUR MISSION

To influence the destiny of young people through leadership development, entrepreneurship, personal development, skills training, mentorship, networking and values-based empowerment.

CCYI creates platforms through which young people can receive the knowledge, mentorship, exposure, skills and opportunities required to become productive citizens, responsible leaders and innovative entrepreneurs.

4. OUR MOTTO

PROMOTING CREATIVITY, INTEGRITY AND EXCELLENCE

These three principles represent the foundation of our approach to youth development.

Creativity — encouraging young people to think differently, innovate and create solutions.

Integrity — developing individuals whose character can support their competence and influence.

Excellence — inspiring people to pursue continuous improvement and deliver their best in every area of responsibility.

5. OUR CORE VALUES

Compassion

We care about people and are committed to improving lives, especially among vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.

Integrity

We promote honesty, transparency, accountability and responsible leadership.

Excellence

We encourage continuous learning, personal improvement and high standards.

Diligence

We believe meaningful transformation requires discipline, commitment and hard work.

Patriotism

We encourage young people to take responsibility for the development of their communities and nations.

Service

We promote servant leadership and the use of personal abilities for the benefit of others.

Creativity

We encourage innovation, critical thinking and the development of practical solutions.

Faith

We recognize the importance of spiritual development, godly character and kingdom-inspired values in building responsible leaders.

6. OUR STORY

The Center for Creative Youth International grew out of a divine call and a passion to raise a new generation of youths, leaders and entrepreneurs who would contribute meaningfully to the transformation of Africa.

The movement began as Impact Makers, a student-focused initiative at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, where young people gathered for interactive sessions focused on leadership, personal development and positive societal influence.

Following the initial work of the movement, the vision expanded beyond the university environment.

In 2002, the initiative became increasingly focused on developing a wider platform for youth transformation.

In 2003, leadership development programmes were organized for secondary school students in Owerri, Imo State, during the founder's National Youth Service Corps programme.

In 2004, additional training programmes were organized at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede and Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Owerri, Imo State.

On 22 January 2005, the organization was formally inaugurated under the name Center for Creative Youth International at Sango Plaza Hotel, Ota, Ogun State, with the theme:

"RISING UP TO A NEW LEVEL"

Since then, CCYI has continued to develop programmes, summits, training initiatives and community interventions aimed at empowering young people and strengthening leadership capacity.

Over the years, the organization has organized leadership summits, relationship programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, creativity events, faith-based programmes, youth interactive forums and community development activities.

7. OUR DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY

CCYI believes that effective youth development must address the whole person.

Our approach therefore combines:

MIND

Knowledge, critical thinking, personal development, creativity and innovation.

CHARACTER

Integrity, discipline, responsibility, compassion and ethical leadership.

SPIRIT

Faith, purpose, values and spiritual development.

SKILLS

Technology, entrepreneurship, communication, leadership and employability skills.

NETWORK

Mentorship, collaboration, relationships and access to opportunities.

IMPACT

Community service, nation building and positive societal transformation.

8. OUR STRATEGIC AREAS

CCYI's programmes and activities are organized around the following strategic areas:

1. Youth Development

Helping young people discover purpose, build confidence and develop the capacity to succeed.

2. Leadership Development

Preparing young people for responsible leadership in schools, churches, businesses, communities and public institutions.

3. Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Equipping young people with entrepreneurial thinking, business skills, creativity and practical tools for economic independence.

4. Digital & Technology Skills

Preparing young people for the digital economy through technology education, digital skills and innovation.

5. Personal & Mind Development

Developing confidence, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking and lifelong learning.

6. Spiritual & Values Development

Promoting faith, character, integrity, responsibility and kingdom-inspired principles.

7. Community Development

Mobilizing young people to contribute to the development of their communities.

8. Education & Literacy

Supporting educational development through reading initiatives, libraries, learning resources and teacher development.

9. Creativity & Talent Development

Creating platforms for young people to discover, develop and showcase their talents.

10. Mentorship & Networking

Connecting emerging leaders and entrepreneurs with experienced professionals, mentors and organizations.

9. OUR TARGET GROUPS

CCYI serves and collaborates with:

Secondary school students
Tertiary institution students
Young professionals
Youth organizations
Campus fellowships
Church youth ministries
Student Union Governments
National Youth Service Corps members
Young entrepreneurs
Emerging community leaders
Faith-based organizations
Educational institutions
Corporate organizations
Community youth groups
International youth organizations
Vulnerable and disadvantaged young people

10. OUR PROGRAMMES & INITIATIVES

Youth Interactive Forum

A regular interactive platform designed to provide young people, leaders and emerging entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, mentorship and values-based development.

The forum addresses issues relating to:

Purpose and personal development
Leadership
Faith and values
Relationships
Entrepreneurship
Career development
Technology
Nation building

Creative Achievers Network

A networking and professional development platform designed to equip young leaders and entrepreneurs with practical competencies in areas such as:

Public speaking
Negotiation
Customer service
Business development
Leadership
Networking
Personal branding

The platform also provides opportunities for participants to connect with experienced professionals and successful entrepreneurs.

Red Rose Summit

A youth relationship and personal development programme designed to help young people understand purpose, emotional intelligence, healthy relationships, compatibility and responsible decision-making.

Institutional Leaders & Entrepreneurs Summit

A leadership and entrepreneurship development initiative designed to equip students, campus leaders, emerging entrepreneurs and institutional stakeholders with practical leadership principles and ethical business practices.

Operation READ

An educational development initiative focused on improving access to books, reading materials and educational resources.

The initiative seeks to:

Establish and support libraries.
Provide books and learning resources to disadvantaged schools.
Support educationally underserved communities.
Provide teaching and learning materials.
Promote a culture of reading.
Support teacher development and capacity building.

Child Laughter Foundation

A social intervention initiative focused on supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children.

The initiative seeks to provide assistance through:

Educational sponsorship.
School supplies.
Learning resources.
Mentorship.
Community support.
Visits to orphanages and care homes.

Mind Builders Training Consult

A specialized leadership, personal development and entrepreneurship training platform designed to develop the mental, professional and leadership capacity of young people and emerging leaders.

Creativity Concert & Excellence Awards

A platform designed to discover, celebrate and showcase creative talents while recognizing individuals who demonstrate excellence and positive impact.

The programme brings together talented young people, creative professionals, entrepreneurs, faith leaders and other stakeholders.

11. COMMUNITY OUTREACH

CCYI recognizes that leadership development must extend beyond seminars and conferences.

Our community engagement activities include:

Visits to orphanages and vulnerable communities.
Educational support.
Youth empowerment programmes.
Community awareness campaigns.
Leadership development.
Civic education.
Literacy initiatives.
Entrepreneurship training.
Technology and digital skills development.
Mentorship programmes.

Our goal is simple:

To educate, re-educate, inform, empower and inspire individuals and communities toward positive transformation.

12. OUR PROGRAMME HISTORY

CCYI has a history of organizing youth and leadership development programmes dating back to the early 2000s.

2002

Weekly Impact Makers Interactive Forum was organized at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

2003

Leadership training programmes were organized for secondary school students in Owerri, Imo State.

2004

Training programmes were held at:

Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State
Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, Imo State

22 January 2005

Formal inauguration of the Center for Creative Youth International at Sango Plaza Hotel, Ota, Ogun State.

Theme: Rising Up to a New Level

3 September 2005

Leadership and Youth Restiveness Summit at Allover Central Polytechnic, Sango-Ota.

November 2005

Campus Leadership Summit at Lagos State University, Ojo Campus.

Theme: Forces of Excellence – Creative Approaches to Tackling Corruption Among Nigerian Youths

18 February 2006

Relationship Summit at Hall of Faith Chapel, Ota.

Theme: Marriage Is Not 50:50 – Understanding the Purpose and Power of Compatibility

22 April 2006

Leadership Training Workshop.

Theme: Understanding Political Leadership

29 July 2006

Leadership Summit.

Theme: Leaders That Last

1 October 2006

Independence Summit.

Theme: Nation Builders – Promoting the Culture of Patriotism

3 December 2006

Praise Banquet at the Heal the World Secretariat, Ota.

7 April 2007

Youth Interactive Forum featuring representatives of political parties and presidential aspirants.

13. OUR ORGANIZATIONAL DEPARTMENTS

CCYI operates through functional departments that support its programmes and development objectives.

Business Development

Community Development

Spiritual & Mind Development

Membership & Welfare

Training & Ethics

Entrepreneurship & Skills Development

Youth & Leadership Development

Music & Creativity Development

Media & Publicity

Outreach & Campaigns

14. PARTNERSHIP APPROACH

CCYI believes that sustainable transformation requires collaboration.

We therefore seek partnerships with:

Churches and ministries
Schools and universities
Government institutions
Corporate organizations
Foundations
NGOs and civil society organizations
International development organizations
Entrepreneurs and business leaders
Technology organizations
Youth organizations
Philanthropic individuals
Community leaders

Through strategic partnerships, we can expand access to training, mentorship, technology, education and opportunities for young people.

15. OUR LEADERSHIP

Daniel Olukayode Jacobs

Founding President

The vision of Center for Creative Youth International was born from a passion to see young people discover their potential and become positive contributors to society.

Through CCYI, the organization seeks to build platforms that connect faith, leadership, education, entrepreneurship, creativity and community transformation.

16. MENTORS & ADVISERS

Over the years, the vision has benefited from the inspiration, counsel and support of respected leaders and professionals, including:

Bishop David Oyedepo — Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.
Professor Aize Obayan — Former Vice Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.
Mrs. Grace Oyedepo — Managing Director, Top Class Pharmaceuticals and Medical Consult, Ogun State.

The current list of mentors, advisers, partners and board members may be updated as the organization evolves.

17. OUR COMMITMENT TO AFRICA

Africa possesses enormous human and natural potential. However, unlocking this potential requires intentional investment in people.

CCYI is committed to contributing to Africa's transformation by developing young people who can provide solutions in:

Education
Technology
Business
Leadership
Governance
Community development
Creative industries
Entrepreneurship
Faith and values
Social innovation

We believe that a transformed Africa will emerge from a generation of transformed individuals.

Our assignment is to help raise that generation.

18. OUR 21ST-CENTURY DIRECTION

As the world enters a new era defined by technology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and rapid social change, CCYI is repositioning its youth development agenda to prepare young people for the future.

Our emerging focus includes:

Digital Skills

Preparing young people for opportunities in the digital economy.

Artificial Intelligence

Introducing young people to responsible and productive applications of AI.

Entrepreneurship

Helping young people turn ideas, skills and creativity into sustainable ventures.

Leadership

Developing ethical, innovative and service-oriented leaders.

Employability

Building practical skills required for the modern workplace.

Innovation

Encouraging young people to develop solutions to African challenges.

Global Networking

Connecting African youth with mentors, organizations and opportunities locally and internationally.

Faith & Character

Ensuring that technological and economic advancement is accompanied by strong character, values and responsibility.

19. OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE

CCYI envisions a growing network of young people across Africa and the global community who are:

PURPOSEFUL.

CREATIVE.

SKILLED.

INNOVATIVE.

ENTREPRENEURIAL.

ETHICAL.

SPIRITUALLY GROUNDED.

SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE.

READY TO LEAD.

Our desire is to build a movement that does not merely organize programmes but raises people who become solutions to the problems of their generation.

20. OUR DECLARATION

WE BELIEVE IN THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF AFRICA.

We believe they can lead.

We believe they can innovate.

We believe they can create businesses.

We believe they can transform communities.

We believe they can influence nations.

We believe they can use technology for good.

We believe they can combine competence with character.

We believe they can serve with integrity.

We believe they can become a generation that changes the narrative of Africa.

THIS IS WHY WE EXIST.