10/02/2026
🌟 UDEC NGO – Empowering Youth, Building Purposeful Leaders 🌟
Youth Needs Your Voice Program – Season 2
Report
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Venue: American Corner – University of Parakou
🎙 Host: Coach Abdou Wahaed SIME
🎖 Guest of Honor: Professor Mohamed Nasser BACO, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for University Research/University of Parakou
🌈 Topic of the Day
“Your Journey Begins Today, Trust the Process”
On Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, UDEC NGO successfully held the second session of the Youth Needs Your Voice Program under its Personal Development and Youth Empowerment Initiative at the American Corner.
This impactful session brought together students and young leaders eager to learn, grow, and redefine their personal and professional paths. The event was honored by the distinguished presence of Prof Mohamed Nasser BACO, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for University Research of the University of Parakou, whose journey and insights deeply resonated with participants.
The session was officially opened by Coach Abdou Wahaed SIME, who set the tone by emphasizing UDEC NGO’s mission: empowering youth to take responsibility for their lives, develop resilience, and lead with purpose.
🎯 Objective of the Session
The session aimed to:
✔ inspire young people through real-life leadership experience
✔ reinforce self-esteem, discipline, and personal responsibility
✔ demonstrate that success is built through patience, consistency, and intentional choices
🔹 Keynote Intervention — Mr. Mohamed Nasser BACO
Through a powerful and authentic sharing of his personal and professional journey, Mr. BACO reminded participants that every life-changing achievement begins with a single conscious decision.
🗣 “When you know that a choice is forever, you must do it well.”
Participants explored how one decision, when supported by discipline and responsibility, can redefine an entire life trajectory.
🔹 Core Lessons & Takeaways
During the session, participants gained valuable insights on:
Personal Responsibility
Taking full ownership of academic, professional, and life choices.
Discipline Over Motivation
Understanding discipline as a lifestyle, not a temporary emotion.
Trusting the Process
Recognizing failure as a lesson and growth as a gradual journey.
Pressure Management
Setting clear goals, planning effectively, and prioritizing wisely.
Leadership Through Service
Redefining leadership as kindness, service, and positive social impact.
Interactive Q&A Dialogue and Reflection
The session concluded with a dynamic Q&A segment, during which participants raised thoughtful questions related to:
• motivation and consistency
• social and parental pressure
• decision-making
• balancing personal growth with academic life
The exchange fostered openness, clarity, and actionable reflection.
Closing Remarks
The event officially closed with inspiring final words from Prof Mohamed Nasser BACO, followed by words of appreciation and encouragement from Dr (MC) Azoua Mathias HONNOU, Coordinator of the American Corner.
✨ UDEC NGO – Youth Empowerment in Action
Once again, UDEC NGO reaffirmed its commitment to shaping responsible, resilient, and purpose-driven youth leaders, aligned with shared values of education, leadership, and community empowerment.
Drexel University
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
U.S. Embassy Cotonou
