The Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, says the Youth Leadership, Emergency Action and Development (YOU-LEAD) initiative is designed to equip young people with leadership and emergency response skills needed to drive community development.
Speaking during the YOU-LEAD programme organised by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy in collaboration with the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area held in Lagos on Thursday, Agbaje-Okunade said the initiative aims to inspire young people to become solution-driven leaders capable of addressing challenges within their communities.
According to her, the programme is part of efforts to bring leadership development closer to communities and ensure that young people have access to opportunities that will help them grow and contribute meaningfully to society.
She noted that under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, thousands of young people apply annually for leadership and fellowship programmes designed to empower the next generation of leaders in Lagos State.
Agbaje-Okunade explained that the YOU-LEAD programme and other initiatives such as the Lagos Leadership Summit provide platforms for young people to showcase their abilities, build networks and gain access to opportunities that can improve their future prospects.
She added that some beneficiaries of the programme have already secured employment and business opportunities through the networks created by the initiative.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Hon. Sesan Olowa, said the local government remains committed to preparing young people to benefit from the growing economic opportunities within the rapidly developing Ibeju-Lekki axis.
Olowa explained that the local government has been partnering with various organisations to organise leadership and skills development programmes for youths, noting that such initiatives will help them compete effectively in the labour market.
He added that as industrial activities continue to expand within the corridor, there is a growing need for young people to acquire multiple skills that will make them employable and position them to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
The chairman also encouraged participants to begin developing leadership qualities early, stressing that young people remain the future of their communities and will eventually take up leadership roles at local, state and national levels.
He urged them to remain committed to personal development and community service, noting that building leadership capacity among youths is critical to sustainable community growth.
Participants at the training were also exposed to practical sessions on leadership development, where they were taught that leadership is not limited to occupying high positions but involves taking responsibility and influencing positive change within their communities. They also engaged in team bonding exercises aimed at strengthening collaboration and teamwork, while medical professionals provided training on emergency response techniques including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and other basic life-saving skills.
