The Lagos State Government has commenced the 7th Edition of the Ibile Youth Academy, a leadership development initiative designed to equip young people with the skills and values required for active citizenship and community engagement.
The programme, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, was formally declared open at the Faculty of Education III Conference Hall, Lagos State University, Ojo Campus.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to investing in young people, describing them as critical drivers of sustainable development and good governance.
“Our underlying philosophy of this programme is founded on a firm belief that investment in young people yields dividends that cannot be quantified, because our youths represent the innovation, energy and leadership capacity required to drive sustainable development and good governance,” he said.
Mr Ogunlende noted that since its inception in 2017, the Academy has focused on promoting citizenship, leadership, volunteerism and community service, in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the state government.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Pharm Mrs Toyin Oke Osanyintolu, commended stakeholders for their consistent support since the programme began. Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resource, Mr Abiodun Dina, she described the Academy as a strategic investment in grooming future leaders of Lagos State.
According to her, the initiative aligns with the THEMES Plus Development Agenda, particularly in the areas of Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment, which are geared towards strengthening human capital development.
She outlined activities for the 2026 edition to include Divisional Leadership Training scheduled for February 9 to 13, a One Day Leadership Seminar and Alumni Launch on February 17, and a Residential Bootcamp from February 22 to 28.
At the conclusion of the programme, one State Youth Ambassador and five Divisional Youth Ambassadors are expected to emerge. The selected ambassadors will be tasked with implementing community based projects aimed at addressing local challenges within their respective areas.
