God deserves the glory for the success of the Trauma-Informed Conference held from March 27 to April 1, 2026 at Smith International Baptist Academy, Ogbomoso (SIBAO – the Seminary-owned Secondary school). The conference was facilitated by a team of nine trainers from Cameroon who are members of Me4Real International. Me4Real International, founded by Dr Delphine Fanfon, is dedicated to mentoring and empowering young people – particularly adolescents and young adults – to discover their purpose and leadership potential from a Christian worldview.

The aim of the conference was twofold. First, it sought to equip key adults who have significant influence on students with trauma-informed knowledge and practical strategies for supporting young people who may be struggling with painful life experiences. The intent is to empower them to guide the students towards healing and purposeful living. Second, it aimed to equip students with essential life skills to help them understand and manage traumatic experiences. Accordingly, the conference was organised in two phases.

In the first phase, a three-day training session was organised for counsellors, teachers, parents, pastors, and other interested adults who desired to learn practical ways of supporting students facing traumatic challenges. The training recorded an impressive attendance of eighty-one (81) participants. Many parents testified that the sessions addressed issues that were directly relevant to their parenting experiences, while other participants affirmed the practical value of the training. The knowledge gained will also greatly strengthen the work of the chaplaincy of Smith International Baptist Academy and teachers in providing support for students experiencing emotional challenges and trauma.

The second phase consisted of a three-day training programme for all SIBAO students which featured general sessions and small-group interactions. During these sessions, students were taught essential life skills to help them understand and manage traumatic experiences. The student conference proved to be highly impactful, as many students gained renewed strength and courage to face challenging life situations. A number of students testifies to learning to be their real selves, not to wear ‘masks’; to be courageous, share their struggles and not bottle them up, among other things. Students were also excited about some Cameroonian expressions they learned in the course of the programme.

The Me4Real team were able to fellowship with the SIBAO students and staff beyond the Conference during the worship on Sunday. They also visited a few places in Ogbomoso. Towards the end of their stay, The president of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary led the principal officers, the Principal of SIBAO and representatives of Faculty and staff from Cameroon who are in the Seminary in a fellowship meal and interaction. The Principal, Chaplaincy and entire leadership of SIBAO under the Directorate of Commercial Services acknowledge and appreciate the great support of the Seminary Management under the leadership of Rev. Prof. S. Ola Ayankeye, as well as the staff of the Directorate of Commercial Services, and Mrs Doreen Sayoh (the link person) – who all worked diligently to ensure the success of the conference. We pray that the seeds planted will germinate to bear fruit that lasts till eternity.

Taiwo O. Ayeni

for SIBAO Local Organising Committee