8th April, 2017
The Lagos State Government has charged the winners of the IBILE Youth Academy , IYA, leadership training programme, to come together in bringing forth ideas and recommendations that would contribute positively to the development of youths in the state.
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf stated that as the IYA leadership training ends, the winners of the Academy are expected to step out with confidence as a team to push boundaries and to think outside- the -box while also showcasing good leadership skills in their various communities and Divisions.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the IBILE Youth Academy camping training exercise at Ipaja Youth Hostel, the commissioner disclosed that leadership training programme had made the hidden potentials and virtues of citizenship, patriotism and volunteerism in the youth more apparent.
In her words, “the underlying philosophy behind the leadership training in the youth sector by the present administration in the state under the able leadership of our dear Governor, His Excellency Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is based on a firm belief that dividends from such investment can never be quantified. This is because young people are the resources that must be groomed and harnessed for the overall development of our beloved Lagos State and the Country Nigeria at large.”
Akinbile-Yussuf further appreciated the support of corporate organization, facilitators and assessors during the leadership training, while commending the support of Young African Leader’s Initiative (YALI) for their willingness to admit the best 10 participants from IBILE Youth Academy Camping Exercise for further 5 weeks training both in Lagos and Ghana.
Also, the winner of the exercise from Ikeja division, Lana Promise Elijah, expressed his gratitude to the State Government through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development for instilling in them the core values needed as a leader and for a bright future.
He assured that the Ambassadors would work together to come up with creative ideas and solutions to problems that might be affecting the youths of the State.
He further encouraged other youths in the state to be at alert for leadership programmes, especially the ones organized by the state government, adding that they should also lead and advocate for positive change wherever they are in the society.
The winners at the divisions are: Shonibare Zainab from Lagos Island division; Agbaje Maruf from Ikorodu division; Sarah Anakwe from Badagry division; Badmus Oladipupo from Epe Division and Oparacha Winifred from Ikeja division, while Lana Elijah Promise emerged as the State Youth Ambassador.