Youth Leadership Academy takes off
Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has begun the seventh edition of Ibile Youth Academy, a leadership training programme for youths. In his keynote address at the opening
Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has begun the seventh edition of Ibile Youth Academy, a leadership training programme for youths.
In his keynote address at the opening ceremony held at Faculty of Education 3 Conference Hall, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo campus yesterday, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, reaffirmed the commitment of the state government towards investment in youths ‘’because such efforts yield dividends that cannot be quantified in the long run.’’
He said: “Our underlying philosophy of this programme is founded on a firm belief that investment in young people yields dividends that cannot be quantified, because our youths represent the innovation, energy and leadership capacity required to drive sustainable development and good governance. Since its commencement in 2017, the academy has remained committed to inculcating the values of citizenship, leadership, volunteerism and community service, which are central to the achievement of the THEMES Plus Agenda.”
Permanent Secretary, Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, lauded stakeholders for their support since the programme commenced in 2017.
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The permanent secretary, represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resource, Abiodun Dina, noted that the academy was a strategic investment, which aligns with THEMES Plus Development Agenda, particularly the pillars of social inclusion, gender equality and youth empowerment.
According to Mrs Oke-Osanyintolu, a pharmacist, ‘’this edition will be implemented across the five administrative divisions of the state: Divisional Leadership Training (9th-13th February, 2026); One Day Leadership Seminar and Alumni Launch (17th February); and Residential Bootcamp (22nd - 28th February, 2026). At the end of the programme, one state youth ambassador and five divisional youth ambassadors will emerge that are expected to execute community-based projects to address local challenges in their areas.’’
