The Lagos State Government is charting a new path for the youths in the State, as it kicked off the Y2022 Ibile Youth Academy designed to train the youths in different life skills towards ensuring that they are adequately prepared for a prosperous future while increasing their global competitiveness.
In his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the training programme held at the Onikan Youth Centre, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Olusegun Dawodu said the academy is all about helping young people chart a path for progressive and prosperous adult life.
According to him, “The Ibile Youth Academy is a leadership training platform designed to inculcate in young people the virtues of citizenship, leadership and volunteerism for the development of their personality, society, the state and by extension the nation. The leadership training will also ignite their personal development and transformation required for a bright future.”
On her part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu stated that the Ibile Youth Academy was developed as another intervention aimed at addressing issues affecting the youths by offering various programmes that will build the overall capacities and competencies of the youths.
In her words: “The Academy emphasises learning strategies based on fun, play and teaching life skills rather than strict academic lessons. The training will also enable participants, particularly those disadvantaged or in the most need to reach their full potential as responsible citizens, by providing all necessary resources and inculcating in them, the will to succeed and receive recognition for their personal accomplishments”.
Reiterating the readiness of the Sanwo-Olu administration to continue to create an enabling environment for the teeming population of youths, the Permanent Secretary called on the Private Sector, NGOs and Philanthropists to partner with the State Government in the areas of mentorship, apprenticeship and employment to make the lives of the youth better.
In sharing their experiences, Miss. Funmilayo Akannishelle (outgoing State Youth Ambassador) and Mr Shodunke Qudus (outgoing Lagos Division Ambassador) disclosed that their participation in the Ibile Youth Academy (I.Y.A) had impacted positively their lives in various areas.
The duo, amongst other participants that testified to the transformation they got from the 2021 edition of the programme, said that Emotional Intelligence, Financial Management, Leadership Skills were some of the vital lessons that greatly imparted their lives during 2021 Ibile Youth Academy.
