Val Okafor is a Youth Development Professional, Leadership Coach, and Transformational Speaker. His journey into thought leadership began in 2014, in a small community in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. He never imagined at that time that a single spark of passion would one day grow into a movement transforming thousands of lives across Africa.
Read About his incredible journey and be inspired below
At the heart of his work is the Next Level Conversation Young Leaders Program, a flagship initiative that has, over the last four years, transformed the lives of about 1,000 young Africans. Through this program, participants receive mentorship, leadership training, and access to global opportunities. The impact has been profound, with alumni going on to launch businesses, secure fully-funded scholarships, and drive meaningful social change in their communities. The true power of leadership, he believes, lies not in titles but in the ability to multiply impact. Witnessing a young entrepreneur build a business that employs others or a mentee secure an international opportunity they once thought impossible serves as the fuel that drives his work. Before founding his organization, he dedicated his time to community development, working with initiatives focused on leadership and education.
Grand Africa Initiative (GAI) (2020–2023): As the Outreach and Events Lead, he played a key role in organizing and overseeing initiatives that empowered young leaders across the continent. His efforts contributed to the program’s growth and impact, fostering meaningful engagement and development opportunities for participants.
On Challenges Faced
His journey was not without challenges. Before he could empower others, he had to overcome his own self-doubt, inferiority complex, imposter syndrome, and a fixed mindset that held him back. He found strength in studying the lives of great men and women who reshaped history. Their stories rewired his thinking, helping him see the possibilities within himself. He refused to let fear define his limits, and in doing so, he discovered the power to liberate others.
Recognitions & Awards.
Today, over 100,000 lives have been impacted by his work. The journey has been met with incredible recognition, including:
- Humanitarian Student of the Year Award (University of Nigeria, Nsukka) for his commitment to community impact
- Innovative Young Africans Award (International Internship University, India) for his contributions to youth development
- 234 Project Award of Achievement (Texas, USA) for empowering underprivileged school children in Nigeria
- Named one of the Top 100 Most Inspiring Africans by Opportunities Hub
- Fully funded delegate at the Jamie Pajoel International Leadership Conference (Rwanda)
- Fully funded delegate representing Nigeria at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum
- Inducted as a Mentor on The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Africa’s largest philanthropic organization supporting entrepreneurs.
Looking Ahead: Val’s Vision for the Future
Through The Val Okafor Company and his continued engagements, his mission remains the same: to equip the next generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs with the tools to thrive. The work is far from over, but if there’s one thing his journey has taught him, it is that no dream is too big, no challenge is too great, and no impact is too small to matter.
Val Okafor believes that when young people are empowered, they don’t just change their own lives, they transform entire communities. In Val’s Words “Keep Knocking on those doors”
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