Austine Okorodudu
Empowering youth isn’t just a mission—it’s a movement to shape futures, amplify voices, and ignite transformation.
Austine served as an on-air-personality and Head of Marketing and Strategy at Trend 100.9fm, Nigeria’s number one youth-focused radio station, where he presented the flagship radio show “Trend Talk.” In this role, he amplified marginalized voices while ensuring the station broke even financially and achieved self-sustainability through strategic leadership.
Austine is also the founder of Idreality Media and Communications, a strategic media and public relations firm that delivers innovative solutions in branding, content creation, and digital strategy for organizations seeking impactful engagement.
His expertise is built on solid academic foundations, holding a master’s degree in integrated media communications from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Delta State University. He also holds a certificate in Civic Leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA. He is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker, specializing in leadership development, and holds a certificate in Digital Strategy and Implementation from the BBC. Austine’s commitment to youth empowerment stems from his early experiences witnessing disadvantaged peers struggle with limited access to education and economic opportunities. This personal connection drives his mission to create sustainable pathways for young people across Nigeria.
His contributions to national development and youth leadership have earned him prestigious recognition, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders that identifies and empowers accomplished young Africans with outstanding track records of promoting innovation, positive impact, and leadership in their communities and countries. He has also received the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senate President Plaque (2019) for outstanding contribution to national development and the National Youth Service Corps Award (2013). As the pioneer coordinator of the YALI Delta Face2Face hub, he built a vibrant community of young changemakers and was named a YALI Network Influencer in 2019; a distinguished position that recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and influence within the YALI community of more than 700,000 members across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Austine regularly shares his expertise through speaking engagements, having facilitated leadership training in Nigeria and different parts of the world. He has also served as a judge for the National Senior School Debate Competition. He is a TEDx organizer and has led pivotal national conversations, including “Nigeria at 60: Rethinking the Solution,” which marked Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary. He maintains professional affiliations with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and Rotary International.
Through his work, Austine continues to champion youth development, media literacy, and economic empowerment as foundational elements for sustainable community transformation in Nigeria.
Curriculum Vitae
Austine's Up Close
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Head of Marketing and Strategy / On-Air Personality
– Trend 100.9 FM
– Hosted the flagship show “Trend Talk”, led marketing strategy, promoted youth-focused content, and helped the station achieve financial sustainability. -
Founder / Executive Director
– Ideals and Realities Youth Empowerment Foundation (IRYEF)
– Leads youth-focused programs like TeenzSummit, SPLIN, and Equip the Future radio series, impacting over 8,000 youths. -
Founder / Lead Strategist
– Idreality Media and Communications
– A media and public relations firm offering branding, content creation, and digital strategy solutions. -
Public Speaker & Trainer
– Delivered leadership training in Nigeria and internationally, facilitated TEDx events, and judged national debate competitions.
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Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders – Prestigious U.S. fellowship recognizing innovative and impactful young African leaders.
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YALI Network Influencer (2019) – Honorary title for individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership in the YALI community across Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Pioneer Coordinator of the YALI Delta Face2Face Hub – Leadership role in building a vibrant community of young changemakers.
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Federal Republic of Nigeria Senate President Plaque (2019) – For outstanding contribution to national development.
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National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Award (2013) – For distinguished service during the national youth service year.
- Founded Ideals and Realities Youth Empowerment Foundation (IRYEF)
– Impacted over 8,000 Nigerian youths through mentorship, capacity building, and vocational training programs like TeenzSummit, SPLIN, and Equip the Future radio series. - Led Trend 100.9 FM to Financial Sustainability
– As Head of Marketing and Strategy and On-Air Personality, he amplified marginalized voices and positioned the station as Nigeria’s top youth-focused radio platform. - Established Idreality Media and Communications
– Built a media and PR firm delivering innovative solutions in branding, content creation, and digital strategy for impactful organizational engagement. - Recognized as a Mandela Washington Fellow
– Selected for the prestigious U.S. fellowship for outstanding leadership, innovation, and social impact across Africa. - Awarded Senate President’s Plaque (2019)
– Honored by the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senate President for notable contributions to national development. - Received NYSC National Award (2013)
– Commended for distinguished service during his National Youth Service year. - Pioneered the YALI Delta Face2Face Hub
– Built a vibrant community of young changemakers and was later named a YALI Network Influencer (2019) among 700,000+ members. - Facilitated Global Leadership and Media Engagements
– Served as a TEDx Organizer, debate judge, and speaker/trainer at national and international youth-focused events and summits.
Testimonials
Before joining IRYEF, I was struggling with peer pressure and lacked direction in life. Their comprehensive program transformed my approach completely—my academic performance soared from average C grades toconsistent A’s. The mentorship connection continued through university, where I maintained a close relationship with the founder. This guidance led to my winning prestigious NYSC awards, and eventually launching my own shoe manufacturing company that now employs several other young people. IRYEF equipped me with everything I know about business leadership and entrepreneurship. The program didn’t just improve my skills—it fundamentally changed my identity and expanded what I believe is possible for my future.
Wisdom
This is getting young people started in the right direction, because many times young people make the wrong choices because they did not get the opportunity to know what are the more appropriate choices to make. I congratulate and compliment those who are exposed to this programme, because they have an edge over those who have not been exposed to this kind of experience.
Pat Utomi
Through IRYEF’s targeted interventions, we’ve documented an increase in youth participation in sustainable development initiatives. Their methodology for redirecting youth focus has become a model for our World Bank projects, demonstrating cost-effective approaches to building youth capacity and resilience.
Benson Ojoko
IRYEF has successfully filled critical gaps in our youth development infrastructure, reaching many teenagers with essential life skills training that government programs alone couldn’t provide. Their work has reduced youth vulnerability to extremism and delinquency by a large percentage by creating a stronger foundation for our state’s future and country
Chiedu Ebie, Esq
After participating in IRYEF’s mentorship program, my son’s academic performance improved by two grade levels. More importantly, he’s developed critical thinking skills that have helped him resist negative peer pressure in our community
Ojei Stanley
IRYEF’s structured leadership development programs have already identified and nurtured many emerging young leaders who are implementing community development projects. Their methodology is creating the next generation of ethical business and government leaders for Nigeria and Africa
Shimite Bello
Since implementing IRYEF’s programs, we’ve seen a 40% reduction in disciplinary issues and a 35% increase in student-led community initiatives. Their approach has transformed how our students view their role in society
Felicia Aghwa
IRYEF stands out among youth development organizations in Nigeria for delivering concrete results. Their evidence-based approach has equipped thousands of young Nigerians with the resilience and skills needed to overcome the unique challenges of the 21st century
Agatha Amata
IRYEF has created measurable change in teenagers’ value systems across Delta State. Their programs have successfully reoriented youth toward positive social values, resulting in noticeable behavioral improvements in our communities.
Sir Isaac Ezechi
