On September 12, 2025, the First Bank Auditorium at the University of Ibadan (UI) was filled with energy, ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose as over 700 participants gathered for the BetterME Forum 2025, themed “Peace is Personal: Becoming Better in a Broken System.”

Organized by the Ibadan Peace Club of Nigeria (IBPCN) in partnership with the World Peace Initiative Foundation, Thailand (WPI), the forum drew participants from diverse backgrounds; students, youth leaders, NGO workers, corps members, lecturers, and development partners.These include the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), Generation Unlimited 9ja (UNICEF), Chicken Republic, Oyo State College of Nursing, Students’ Union Government UI, The Sapphires Development Initiative (TSDI), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). 

The President of IBPCN, Mr. Femi Adeyemi, opened the day with a warm welcome, urgingparticipants to look inward for change. This was followed by a goodwill message delivered by Dr. T. F. Abiodun on behalf of the Head, Department of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies, University of Ibadan. The highlight of the forum came with the keynote address delivered by Mr. Olutomiwa Binuyo, a certified BetterME coach at the World Peace Initiative Foundation, Thailand.

In his address, he unveiled the BetterME Model, a framework that guides individuals through self-image, self-ideal, self-reflection, self-discovery, self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-development. He emphasized that societal transformation begins with personal growth, urging participants to embrace mindfulness as a practical tool for leadership and resilience. Olutomiwa Binuyo further anchored a mindfulness session which according to the participants, reduced stress and increased focus.

The program featured a panel discussion on “Passion, Purpose and Paycheck: Finding Fulfillment Beyond Your Degree,” where speakers encouraged young people to balance passion with diligence and perseverance while seeking mentorship and opportunities. Partners also took the stage: The Sapphires Development Initiative showcased pathways to scholarships and digital literacy, while UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited 9ja platform reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Nigerian youth.

The event, punctuated with performances, icebreakers, and interactive sessions, kept the audience engaged and inspired. As the curtains closed, participants carried home one key message that echoed through the auditorium: in a broken system, peace and change must begin from within.