By Ejire Folakunmi
The Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Mrs Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, has said the Youth Leadership, Emergency Action and Development (YOU-LEAD) initiative is designed to equip young people with leadership and emergency response skills to drive community development.
She spoke during the YOU-LEAD programme organised by the academy in collaboration with the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, held in Lagos on Thursday.
According to her, the initiative aims to inspire young people to become solution-driven leaders capable of addressing challenges within their communities.
Agbaje-Okunade noted that the programme forms part of broader efforts to bring leadership development closer to communities and provide young people with access to opportunities that support personal growth and societal impact.
She added that under the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, thousands of youths apply annually for leadership and fellowship programmes aimed at empowering the next generation of leaders in Lagos State.
The Executive Secretary explained that the YOU-LEAD programme, alongside initiatives such as the Lagos Leadership Summit, offers platforms for young people to showcase their potential, build networks and access opportunities that can improve their future prospects.
She disclosed that some beneficiaries of the programme have already secured employment and business opportunities through networks created by the initiative.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Hon. Sesan Olowa, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to preparing youths to benefit from the growing economic opportunities within the rapidly developing Ibeju-Lekki corridor.
Olowa said the local government has continued to partner with organisations to organise leadership and skills development programmes, noting that such initiatives would help young people compete effectively in the labour market.
He added that with increasing industrial activities in the axis, there is a need for youths to acquire multiple skills to enhance their employability and readiness for emerging opportunities.
The chairman urged participants to begin developing leadership qualities early, stressing that young people are future leaders at the local, state and national levels.
He encouraged them to remain committed to personal development and community service, noting that building leadership capacity is essential for sustainable growth.
Participants at the training were exposed to practical sessions on leadership development, where they were taught that leadership goes beyond holding positions and involves taking responsibility and driving positive change.
They also engaged in team-building exercises to strengthen collaboration, while medical professionals provided training on emergency response techniques, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and other basic life-saving skills.