Professionals and entrepreneurs have been urged to develop stronger negotiation skills as a means of enhancing their economic and professional outcomes. This call was made by Adedayo Oketola, President of the International Visitor Leadership Program Alumni Association of Nigeria (IVLPAAN), during a negotiation-focused masterclass held recently at the American Corner in Ikeja, Lagos.
The event, part of IVLPAAN’s ongoing Empower-to-Prosper Series, was themed “Negotiate With Power: How to Charge Appropriately for Your Value.” It was attended by over 100 professionals across sectors and aimed to provide practical tools for navigating pricing, deal structuring, and high-value engagements.
Oketola said many Nigerians continue to be underpaid not because of a lack of ability but due to poor negotiation habits and self-doubt.
“In a country and a continent brimming with talent, it is often the case that many are doing exceptional work, but struggling to charge what they’re worth or unsure how to negotiate their true value,” he said. “That must change. And that’s why we’re here. This masterclass is not just another training; it is a movement.”He added: “We are here to change the mindset from hesitation to confidence, from guessing your worth to knowing it.”
Participants received guidance on pricing strategies, value articulation, and long-term client engagement. The first session, led by Odunola Onadipe, Chief Operating Officer at Detail Commercial Solicitors, focused on understanding market value and developing effective value propositions. She also discussed the emotional dynamics of negotiation and introduced the BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) model as a critical negotiation tool.
“Understanding the motives, fears, and communication styles of others is central to getting favourable results,” Onadipe told participants.
The second session, facilitated by Dr. Peter Ogudoro, Founder of the Nigerian Teachers Community and Managing Consultant at Ogudoro Leadership Trainers, explored client engagement strategies and the psychology of pricing. Ogudoro encouraged professionals to use humility and tact when navigating complex deals, and to “ask clarifying questions when disagreeing” to maintain constructive dialogue.
Attendees included professionals from law, education, real estate, and media. Notable figures present were Akeem Aponmade, President of the US Government Exchange Alumni Association Nigeria (USGEAAN), Lagos Chapter; Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, CEO of Pinnacle Medical Services; and former IVLPAA President, Adetoun Tade.
The session concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony. Feedback from participants indicated that the training resonated deeply. Saudat Salami praised the organisation of the event, saying, “They almost chased us from the venue because we didn’t want it to end.”
Dr. Kadiri described the session as more than technical. “Mrs. Onadipe didn’t just teach negotiation; she handed us a mirror. Dr. Ogudoro decoded the psychology behind pricing and the power of saying no. It wasn’t a class. It was healing. A strategy lab. A spiritual reset.”
Oketola, a journalist and U.S. State Department Edward R. Murrow Fellow, said IVLPAAN would continue to prioritise initiatives that equip Nigerians with critical professional competencies.
“We are committed to ensuring that our alumni evolve personally and professionally,” he said. “We’re building capacity, confidence, and community.”
