More than 150 young people assembled in Lagos on September 6, 2025, for the fourth installment of Dream Big & Reach for the Stars, a youth-oriented workshop aimed at assisting attendees in establishing objectives, imagining their future, and developing self-assurance.
A statement released by the organizers on Tuesday mentioned that the one-day event, hosted by Amani Health Inc., a digital health organization focused on addressing emotional and mental health disparities, took place at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference and Exhibition Centre in Alausa, Ikeja. Participants from outside Lagos also joined online.
Participants between the ages of 7 and 17 took part in a Dream Board activity, in which they made visual expressions of their goals. As stated by the organizers, the task aimed to enhance clarity, self-assurance, and a fresh feeling of direction. By the end of the program, the kids showcased vibrant boards and shared a unified belief: “My dreams are valid.”
Over 90 parents participated in the session, observing their children display their boards and express their goals. Some parents referred to the program as life-changing.
A mother shared how her son transformed his closet into a vision board following last year’s event. “This time, he has already informed me that he’s prioritizing his studies. This program doesn’t just motivate, it transforms lives,” she mentioned. Another parent confirmed that her previously timid daughter now shows greater confidence and regularly reminds herself that her aspirations are worthwhile.
Convener Ayodele Fasuyi stated that the workshop was designed to revive the culture of dreaming in young individuals. She highlighted that numerous Nigerian children face challenges such as peer pressure, social media comparisons, and concerns about their future. “Our aim is to demonstrate to them that, despite the surrounding noise, their dreams are valid and their future holds promise,” a facilitator mentioned.
A significant feature of the event was an inspiring talk centered on the story of Tunde Onokoya, the creator of Chess in Slums Africa, whose path from modest origins to international acclaim demonstrated how challenges can be transformed into chances. Fasuyi also mentioned working with Onokoya’s project in 2023, which had a long-term effect on those involved.
The gathering received backing from multiple business sponsors, such as Indomie, SunTrust Bank, Rosabon Finance, Pasta n Grills, VDL Technologies, Markov Games AI, AYITI, and Cake Allure. They supplied beverages, presents, and additional support that the organizers claimed improved the entire event.
Parents commended the program as both motivating and useful, providing their children with resources to establish clear objectives and develop self-assurance. Now in its fourth year, Dream Big & Reach for the Stars has evolved into a consistent venue for families aiming for comprehensive growth for their children outside of traditional academics.
As per Fasuyi, the initiative enables children to transition from hope to action, strengthening the idea that dreams are not only legitimate but also attainable. Leveraging the energy generated by the workshop, Amani Health Inc. also introduced the second group of Excel Beyond the Classroom, a four-month empowerment and skills development program aimed at assisting young individuals in advancing their aspirations.
Conducted via interactive workshops, guidance from mentors, and learning through projects, the program will offer participants hands-on instruction in self-understanding, emotional intelligence, a mindset of development, digital skills, business acumen, giving speeches, tackling challenges, and other areas.
“By the conclusion of the program, every child will create something concrete—be it a project, item, or collection—that brings them nearer to their aspirations,” Fasuyi explained.
She mentioned that participants would also develop resilience, concentration, and methods to turn their vision boards into actual accomplishments. Fasuyi urged parents to check out Amani Health’s resources and transformative programs on social media @amanithinc and its website,www.amanihealth.app
Thanks to its lasting influence, Dream Big & Reach for the Stars has become more than just a youth program—it has evolved into a movement that inspires Nigerian kids to dream freely, have confidence in their abilities, and work practically towards a better tomorrow.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
