The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, in collaboration with the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, has launched the Youth Leadership, Emergency Action and Development (YOU-LEAD) initiative to equip young people with essential leadership and emergency response skills.
Speaking at the programme in Lagos on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of the Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, emphasized that YOU-LEAD aims to inspire youths to become solution-driven leaders capable of addressing challenges in their communities. She noted that the initiative brings leadership development closer to communities, providing opportunities for young people to grow and contribute meaningfully to society.
Agbaje-Okunade added that under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, thousands of youths annually participate in leadership and fellowship programmes designed to empower the next generation of leaders. The YOU-LEAD programme, alongside initiatives like the Lagos Leadership Summit, offers platforms for young people to showcase talents, build networks, and access employment and business opportunities.
The Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Sesan Olowa, highlighted the local government’s commitment to preparing youths for the growing economic opportunities in the rapidly developing Ibeju-Lekki area. He stressed the importance of acquiring multiple skills to remain competitive in the labour market and encouraged participants to develop leadership qualities early.
Training sessions included practical leadership exercises emphasizing responsibility and positive community influence, team bonding activities to strengthen collaboration, and emergency response training such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) provided by medical professionals.
The programme reflects Lagos State’s ongoing effort to empower young people with skills that foster personal growth, community development, and future leadership.