The International Visitor Leadership Program Alumni Association of Nigeria (IVLPAAN) recently hosted a transformative edition of its “Empower-to-Prosper Series,” delivering a high-impact masterclass on the art and strategy of negotiation. Themed “Negotiate With Power: How to Charge Appropriately for Your Value,” the event addressed the rising importance of negotiation as a core professional competency in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive business landscape.
Held at the American Corner, Concord Newspaper Complex, Ikeja, Lagos, the masterclass brought together a dynamic mix of professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs, all eager to enhance their ability to articulate value, price confidently, and secure high-value deals without underselling themselves.
The programme featured practical tools, real-life case studies, and expert-led sessions designed to equip participants with the mindset and methodology required for successful negotiations.
IVLPAAN President, Adedayo Oketola, opened the session with a welcome address, highlighting the association’s mission to empower changemakers through mentorship, leadership development, and social impact initiatives.
The first session, “Mastering Your Value & Crafting Winning Negotiation Strategies,” was led by Odunola Onadipe, Chief Operating Officer at Detail Commercial Solicitors. Onadipe walked participants through the process of identifying their market value and developing compelling value propositions anchored in core competencies and niche expertise.
She emphasised the emotional and psychological dimensions of negotiation, stressing that successful outcomes often hinge on understanding the motives, fears, and communication styles of others. A major highlight was her breakdown of the BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) model, which she advocated as a crucial tool in negotiation strategy.
In the second session titled “From Pitch to Payment – Closing High-Value Deals Without Underselling Yourself,” Dr. Peter Ogudoro, Managing Consultant at Ogudoro Leadership Trainers and Founder of the Nigerian Teachers Community, delivered thought-provoking insights on attracting rather than chasing clients in today’s fast-paced economy.
Ogudoro, an accomplished educationist and career strategist, encouraged participants to embrace humility in professional settings, even when it means attributing success to superiors to secure long-term growth. He emphasised consistency, value-driven negotiation, and active listening as hallmarks of elite professionals.
He also shared counterintuitive strategies, such as the power of asking clarifying questions when disagreeing, which fosters constructive engagement and preserves professional relationships.
The session concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, with participants expressing deep appreciation for the insights and practical tools gained. Over 80 professionals benefited from the training, including Akeem Aponmade, President, United States Government Exchange Alumni Association Nigeria (USGEAAN), Lagos Chapter; Adetoun Tade, former IVLPAAN President; Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, CEO, Pinnacle Medical Services; Mrs. Saudat Salami and Bunmi Yekini, Publisher, Heapnews.
This masterclass underscores IVLPAAN’s continued commitment to building capacity and catalysing change among Nigerian professionals through strategic knowledge-sharing platforms.
