ABOUT US
The Raymond Okpani Impact Foundation is a legacy project born from a deeply personal story of resilience, determination, perseverance, and a passion for creating change. After overcoming an 18-year delay to finally earn a degree, Raymond Okpani made a decision not just to celebrate his journey, but to pay it forward, using this platform to uplift others who are walking a similar path.
We exist to support underprivileged youth who have great potential but lack access to education and opportunities. Our mission is simple: to bridge the gap between talent and access, by investing in the futures of young people who have great potential but lack access to opportunities to dream, grow & impact their communities.
At the heart of our work is Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education.
We believe education is not just a human right, but a powerful tool for transformation. That’s why we focus on breaking down barriers to learning for children and youth in underserved communities—whether it’s through school outreaches, tuition support, leadership training, or life-skill development.
Our approach is practical and people-focused. We work directly with schools, families, and communities to identify young people with potential and help them access the tools, support, and guidance they need to succeed.
By aligning our work with SDG 4, we are playing our part in building a world where every childregardless of where they are borncan dream freely, learn confidently, and grow into a leader who gives back.
Our Vision
To build a world where every young person regardless of background has access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our Mission
To support underprivileged boys & girls through educational interventions, scholarships, leadership development, and global exposure, empowering them to dream, grow, and impact their communities.
Our Core Values
Access
Integrity
Empowerment
Excellence
Impact
Meet The Founder
Raymond Okpani – Global Leader | Business & Education Consultant | Founder, Youthspark Pan Africa | Executive Director, Raymond Okpani Impact Foundation
Raymond Okpani is a Nigerian-born global leadership advocate, Business & Education Consultant, international speaker currently based in Nicosia, Cyprus. He holds a degree in Political Science & International Relations from Bahcesehir Cyprus University and has served as the Director of Leadership & Human Development for the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Turkish Zone.
With over a decade of cross-sector experience across public, private, and non-profit spaces, Raymond began his leadership journey as a teenager volunteering in rural communities. By the age of 22, he had already served as Special Assistant to the Head of Civil Service in his state. This early exposure laid the foundation for his passion for governance, youth empowerment, and personal development.
In 2015, Raymond founded Youthspark Pan Africa, a growing pan-African social enterprise focused onleadership development, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and mentorship. The initiative now reaches young leaders in more than 20 countries, with members and alumni in over 35 nations. Its flagship annual event, the Youthspark Pan African Conferencehas become a premiere gathering for emerging African change-makers, most recently held in Kigali, Rwanda.
He is also the visionary behind the Raymond Okpani Impact Foundation, a personal legacy project created to give back to his roots. The foundation focuses on providing access to education, scholarships, and mentorship for underprivileged youths, particularly those with leadership potential but limited opportunities.
It aims to bridge the opportunity gap for young people who are eager to study, grow, and lead.
Through this foundation, he is providing educational interventions, scholarships, leadership development, and global exposure, empowering them to dream, grow, and impact their communities.
Impact & Recognition
Raymond has been featured and interviewed on top national media platforms in Nigeria, including TVC, Plus TV, Wazobia TV, and multiple radio stations across the country. He has spoken at numerous high-profile conferences, leadership roundtables, and youth-focused summits both in Africa and internationally, where he shares practical insights on vision, strategic leadership, social impact, and global youth development.
Today, Raymond continues to build a global community of emerging leaders through his initiatives like Youthspark Pan Africa and the Raymond Okpani Impact Foundation while mentoring the next generation of African thinkers, doers, and builders.
Founder’s Note
“I started this foundation because I was once that student—full of dreams, but limited by lack of access to resources and opportunities. This is my way of giving back, multiplying impact, and raising leaders who will change Africa.” — Raymond Okpani, Founder