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From the radio studio to the forefront of youth development, media personality and communications strategist Gloria Babarinde is steadily building a legacy centred on leadership, effective communication and youth empowerment.

A graduate of English Language from Obafemi Awolowo University, Babarinde began her broadcasting career in 2014 and has since established herself as a respected radio presenter, event host and communications expert. Over the years, she has interviewed high-profile personalities, including government officials, business executives and international figures.

Beyond her achievements in broadcasting, Babarinde has expanded her influence through initiatives aimed at equipping young Nigerians with essential communication and leadership skills.

She is the founder of the R.A.I.S.E Initiative Raising Articulate Inspiring Speakers for Excellence as well as the Gloria Babarinde Public Speaking Prize, a platform designed to encourage excellence in public speaking among secondary school students.

The maiden edition of the competition, held in 2025, attracted participants from more than 32 secondary schools, with 13-year-old Eguakhide Cassey emerging as the overall winner.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the initiative, Babarinde said her passion for youth development motivated her to create a platform where young people can discover and develop the power of effective communication.

“Driven by a passion for effective communication and youth development, I founded Raising Articulate Inspiring Speakers for Excellence (R.A.I.S.E), an initiative dedicated to developing confident, articulate and purpose-driven speakers,” she said.

According to her, the initiative extends beyond teaching public speaking by preparing young people for leadership and meaningful societal impact.

“Through R.A.I.S.E, I am creating opportunities for individuals, particularly young people, to build strong communication skills, gain confidence and use their voices as tools for influence and impact. The initiative contributes to global development priorities by advancing quality education, promoting gender inclusion and equipping individuals with essential life and career skills,” she stated.

In addition to her non-profit work, Babarinde is the founder of Lait Media, a communications consultancy that provides training for corporate executives, professionals and organisations seeking to strengthen leadership communication.

“My work focuses on helping corporate leaders and professionals develop world-class communication skills, enabling them to speak with clarity, confidence and influence in high-stakes environments,” she explained.

Her contributions to media and youth development have earned widespread recognition. In 2021, she received the Nigeria’s 25 Under 25 Award in the Media and Communications category. She was subsequently named among the 100 Most Inspiring Women in Africa in 2024 and was nominated for the ECOWAS Innovative Excellence Awards in 2026.

As she continues to combine broadcasting, public speaking, corporate training and youth advocacy, Babarinde says her focus remains on using communication as a catalyst for personal growth and national development.

With her growing influence across media, education and leadership development, Gloria Babarinde is increasingly demonstrating how purposeful communication can shape lives, inspire future leaders and contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.