In a bold effort to empower professionals with real-world negotiation skills, the “Empower-to-Prosper” masterclass recently held in Lagos brought together over 100 participants eager to learn how to secure their true value in the marketplace.
Hosted under the theme “Negotiate with Power: How to Charge Appropriately for Your Value,” the session is part of IVLPAAN’s ongoing initiative to promote economic advancement through practical knowledge and mindset transformation.
Addressing the gathering, IVLPAAN President Oketola emphasized the urgent need for Nigerians to stop undervaluing their services, citing that many talented individuals remain poorly compensated — not due to a lack of skill, but due to limited negotiation competence and self-confidence.
“Value should never be undervalued,” he said, calling the event “a movement” aimed at shifting mindsets from self-doubt to strategic confidence.
In the first session, Odunola Onadipe, COO at Detail Commercial Solicitors, guided participants through how to assess their market value, craft persuasive propositions, and understand the emotional and psychological layers of negotiation.
The second session, led by Peter Ogudoro of Ogudoro Leadership Trainers, explored subtle techniques such as using clarifying questions in disagreements, embracing humility to build long-term success, and cultivating consistency and professionalism.
Notable figures in attendance included Akeem Aponmade (President, USGEAAN Lagos), Adetoun Tade (former IVLPAAN President), Dr. Maymunah Kadiri (CEO, Pinnacle Medical Services), and other industry leaders.
