The International Visitor Leadership Programme 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.
The event, themed “Negotiate With Power: How to Charge Appropriately for Your Value,” addressed the rising importance of negotiation as a core professional competency in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive business landscape.
The masterclass, held at the American Corner, Concord Newspaper Complex, Ikeja, Lagos, 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, however, 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 change-makers through mentorship, leadership development, and social impact initiatives.
The first session, “Mastering Your Value & Crafting Winning Negotiation Strategies,” was led by Chief Operating Officer at Detail Commercial Solicitors, Odunola Onadipe.
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.
Also, 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,” Managing Consultant at Ogudoro Leadership Trainers and Founder of the Nigerian Teachers Community, Dr Peter Ogudoro, 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, emphasising 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.
