The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA), in collaboration with Ibeju-Lekki Local Government under the leadership of Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, has unveiled the YOU-LEAD (Youth Leadership, Emergency Action and Development) programme aimed at strengthening youth capacity and leadership development.
Epe Insights reports that the initiative is designed to equip young people with practical leadership knowledge, emergency response awareness, civic responsibility, and workplace readiness skills necessary for meaningful participation in community development.
The YOU-LEAD programme focuses on empowering youth through hands-on training and practical learning experiences. Participants will gain exposure to leadership principles and strategies that prepare them to take active roles in solving challenges within their communities.
Organizers say the initiative is structured to build a new generation of responsible and proactive young leaders. Through interactive sessions and mentorship, the programme seeks to cultivate critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities among participants.
The training will also introduce participants to emergency action awareness and response techniques. This component aims to help young people understand how to respond effectively to emergencies and community safety challenges.
According to programme coordinators, the emergency response segment will highlight the importance of preparedness and coordinated action during crises. Participants will learn basic approaches to risk awareness and community safety practices.
Beyond leadership training, the initiative also places strong emphasis on civic engagement. Young participants will be encouraged to understand their roles and responsibilities as citizens and contributors to community progress.
The programme will also address employability readiness by equipping participants with workplace skills and professional development insights. These skills include communication, teamwork, leadership confidence, and problem-solving abilities needed in modern work environments.
Officials noted that youth unemployment and limited access to leadership opportunities remain key challenges facing many communities. The YOU-LEAD initiative is therefore positioned to help bridge this gap by providing relevant knowledge and mentorship.
Through practical exercises and learning modules, participants will gain exposure to real-life community issues. This approach encourages young people to develop innovative solutions and actively participate in local development initiatives.
The collaboration between the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government reflects a broader commitment to youth development within the region. Stakeholders say partnerships like this help create opportunities for young people to thrive.
Local government officials emphasized that investing in youth leadership development is essential for sustainable community growth. Empowering young people with the right skills, they said, helps strengthen local institutions and future governance.
The YOU-LEAD programme is also expected to encourage volunteerism and social responsibility among participants. Organizers believe that youth engagement in community service can drive positive social change.
Participants will benefit from mentorship and guidance from experienced facilitators and development professionals involved in the programme. This support aims to help them translate knowledge into practical action.
Officials say the programme aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen youth participation in governance, innovation, and community problem-solving across Lagos State.
Community stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, noting that programmes focused on youth leadership and employability are essential for addressing future challenges.
The YOU-LEAD programme ultimately seeks to empower young people with the confidence, knowledge, and tools needed to become agents of positive change in their communities.
