IBILE Academy’s quest for Lagos Youth Ambassadors nears final stage

Mobolaji Ogunlende

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

The IBILE Youth Academy, led by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, has continued to prepare Lagos’ next generation of leaders.

Focused on fostering leadership, community engagement, and volunteerism, the Academy underscores the government’s commitment to empowering youth with skills vital to Lagos’ future.

Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende confirmed that the 2024 IBILE Youth Academy commenced with awareness sessions for participants from 7-15 September, followed by online registration from 16 September to 8 October, and divisional screenings from 19-18 October.

This year, the programme drew high interest, with over 3,763 applicants. Following the selection process, 1,228 were screened across Lagos’ five divisions, with 500 advancing to the next phase: divisional training.

Here, participants will receive intensive instruction and mentorship, leading to the selection of 50 for an exclusive bootcamp, where one State Ambassador and five Regional Ambassadors will emerge.

Ogunlende highlighted the Academy as a transformative experience that instills leadership and advocacy skills, empowering youth to drive community change.

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“This year’s IBILE Youth Academy has been uniquely structured with an enhanced curriculum led by experienced facilitators from various backgrounds. Our goal is to produce youth leaders of global calibre,” he stated.

Permanent Secretary, Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu emphasised that the Academy aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which prioritises youth development. She noted, “The Academy addresses a national need for effective leadership by fostering citizenship, leadership, and volunteerism in young people.”

The next phase, a five-day training session across the State’s five divisions from 28 October to 1 November, will produce ten finalists from each division.

These 50 will advance to a seven-day residential competition, where the overall State Youth Ambassador and five Divisional Ambassadors will be chosen.

To those advancing, Ogunlende advised, “This is just the beginning. Stay committed as you represent not only yourselves but the future of Lagos. The IBILE Youth Academy is your pathway to greatness and a brighter future for all.”