By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Mobolaji Ogunlende |
LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has officially announced a shift in the schedule for its highly anticipated Leadership Academy for Youth Programme. Initially slated for January, the initiative popularly known as the IBILE Youth Ambassador Programme has been moved to February to accommodate students currently sitting for academic examinations.
Speaking on Wednesday at the state capital in Alausa, the Honorable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, emphasized that the decision was rooted in inclusivity. The ministry aims to ensure that no eligible young person is forced to choose between their education and this transformative leadership opportunity.
"We don’t want any eligible young person to be denied this once-in-a-year opportunity or sidelined for any reason," Ogunlende stated. "We are taking into cognisance the fact that most of them are currently writing their examinations."
To help applicants and participants plan accordingly, the ministry has released a revised timeline for the various stages of the program: Divisional Training February 9 – February 13, Leadership Seminar & Alumni Launch February 17, Residential Bootcamp February 22 – February 28.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, reassured the public that the delay would only enhance the quality of the program. She promised a more "enlightening and fun-filled experience" for all attendees, reaffirming the state’s dedication to balancing youth academic responsibilities with professional capacity building.
The IBILE Youth Ambassador Programme remains a cornerstone of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to youth engagement, designed to identify and groom the next generation of leaders across the five administrative divisions of Lagos State.