IBILE Youth Academy will bridge leadership gap – Lagos Commissioner

Ogunlende and Oke-Osanyintolu at the event

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende has expressed optimism that the leadership potential within today’s youth can be harnessed to address the nation’s leadership challenges.

Speaking at the 2024 Ibile Youth Academy Divisional Training opening at Onikan Youth Centre, he highlighted the academy’s role in developing young leaders.

In his keynote address, Ogunlende described the Ibile Youth Academy as a flagship initiative by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, designed to cultivate leadership skills, foster community involvement, and encourage volunteerism among young Lagosians.

He said, “The Ibile Youth Academy equips our youths with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to drive positive change and take on leadership roles.”

Ogunlende further noted that the academy’s core values—integrity, responsibility, self-discipline, perseverance, and excellence—serve as guiding principles for effective leadership and success.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, described the programme as a transformative journey, empowering young people to lead with innovation and integrity.

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She emphasised that the Ibile Youth Academy provides a platform to harness talent, instill leadership values, and equip youth with tools essential for thriving in today’s dynamic world, thus positioning them to drive sustainable development and foster resilient communities.

Ogunlende and others at the event

Oke-Osanyintolu encouraged participants to engage fully in the training, take advantage of growth opportunities, and build connections to enhance their leadership readiness.

This year’s Ibile Youth Academy has seen increased interest from Lagos youth, with over 3,763 applications submitted.

Following a rigorous selection process, 1,228 candidates were invited for physical screenings across Lagos’ five divisions.

During the divisional training, participants will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through intensive training and mentorship, with the top 10 from each division advancing to the exclusive Ibile Youth Academy Residential Boot Camp, where divisional and state ambassadors will be selected.