The Lagos State Government, through the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, has partnered with the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government to bring the YOU-LEAD (Youth Leadership, Emergency Action and Development) programme to the grassroots, expanding access to youth leadership and skills development training.
The initiative, held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the NJS Royale Event Centre, drew young participants from across Ibeju-Lekki for a two-day intensive training focused on leadership, personal growth, and practical life skills. The programme reflects a deliberate shift towards decentralising opportunities and ensuring that young people at the community level are not left behind in capacity-building efforts.
Representing the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, the Supervisor for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Hakeem Oluwole Balogun, described the intervention as a strategic move to empower youths beyond urban centres. He said, “This is not just another training, but a deliberate and strategic investment in the future of Ibeju-Lekki and Lagos State at large.”
Balogun further emphasised the importance of inclusivity in leadership development, noting that, “By bringing quality leadership training, emergency response skills, and employability development right to the grassroots, the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated that leadership development must not be reserved for a few in the city centre but must reach every corner of our state.”
Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, commended the local government for enabling the outreach and urged participants to maximise the opportunity. “The Academy is committed to equipping young people with the right skills and mindset to become effective leaders,” she said, adding that the programme is designed to inspire transformation at both individual and community levels.
Participants were exposed to a wide range of modules, including communication, public speaking, teamwork, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy. The training also incorporated emergency response and employability skills aimed at preparing youths for real-world challenges and opportunities.
The collaboration between the state government and the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government highlights a broader commitment to inclusive development, with a focus on nurturing leadership potential at the grassroots. By taking structured training programmes closer to communities, the initiative reinforces efforts to build a pipeline of capable young leaders equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
