LASG COMMENCES 7TH EDITION OF YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

 

By Kayode Olopade 

The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has formally commenced the 7th Edition of Ibile Youth Academy,a leadership training program for the young people.

In his keynote address at the opening ceremony held at Faculty of Education 3 Conference Hall,LASU Ojo Campus on Monday, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the State Government towards investment in the young people in the state because such efforts yield dividends that cannot be quantified in the long run.

His words,"our underlying philosophy of this program 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."

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-osanyintolu commended all stakeholders for their continued support since the program commenced in 2017.

The Permanent Secretary, represented by the Director, Administration and Human Resource Department in the Ministry,Mr Abiodun Dina, noted that the Ibile Youth Academy is a strategic investment in the future leadership of Lagos State youths which aligns with the THEMES Plus Development Agenda, particularly the pillars of Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment which promote human capital development.

According to the Permanent Secretary, 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) and at the end of the program 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.