The Lagos State Government has officially launched the 2024 five-day Ibile Youth Academy Divisional Training at the Onikan Youth Centre, located in the Lagos Island area.
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, emphasised that the programme aims to inspire and cultivate the next generation of leaders.
During his keynote address at the opening ceremony on Monday, Ogunlende stated, “The Ibile Youth Academy is a flagship initiative of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development. It is designed to nurture leadership qualities, foster community engagement, and promote volunteerism among young Lagosians.”
He further elaborated that the academy serves as a crucial platform for equipping youth with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to become catalysts for positive change and to assume leadership roles.
“At the core of the Ibile Youth Academy is the drive to foster leadership, civic responsibility, and personal growth. The platform instills five essential values: integrity, responsibility, self-discipline, perseverance, and excellence, which are fundamental principles of outstanding leadership and success in any endeavour,” Ogunlende added.
Also addressing the attendees, Permanent Secretary Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu described the programme as a transformative journey focused on capacity building, personal development, and collective growth.
She highlighted that the Ibile Youth Academy has become a beacon of hope for young people across Lagos State, providing a platform to harness their talents, instil leadership values, and equip them with the tools needed to thrive in today’s dynamic environment.
Oke-Osanyintolu encouraged participants to approach the training with an open mind and a determined spirit, maximising their opportunities for growth, networking, and collaboration.
This year’s Ibile Youth Academy has generated significant interest among young people in Lagos, with over 3,763 applications submitted.
This remarkable number showcases the immense talent and ambition within the youth.
From this pool, 1,228 applicants who successfully navigated the selection process were invited for physical screening held across the five divisions of the state.