The Lagos State Government and other stakeholders have emphasised the need for leadership development, effective communication and emergency response skills to empower young people to contribute meaningfully to community development.
The call was made during the Youth Leadership, Emergency Action and Development (YOU-LEAD) programme organised by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy in collaboration with Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, Ayeni Olasumbo said the initiative was designed to equip young people with practical leadership and communication skills that will enable them to make positive impacts within their communities.
According to her, effective communication remains a vital quality for every leader, noting that the training sessions were structured to help participants develop the ability to communicate clearly and confidently in different situations.
She added that the programme would also expose participants to emergency response training, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), which prepares individuals to respond appropriately during crisis situations.
Olasumbo explained that the knowledge gained from the training is expected to create a ripple effect as participants apply what they have learnt and share it with others within their communities.
Also speaking at the programme, Feigne Suinner highlighted the role of communication in mobilising communities and driving collective action.
She noted that effective communication enables leaders to clearly convey their messages and encourage community members to support development initiatives.
Suinner also advised participants to be intentional about their words, tone and listening skills, stressing that communication is a skill that improves with consistent practice and patience.
Meanwhile, a medical practitioner with more than a decade of experience in emergency medicine, Femi Ogunmoku, said the training had equipped participants with essential knowledge needed to respond to emergencies such as accidents, injuries and sudden medical collapse.
Ogunmoku further emphasised the importance of contacting emergency services when necessary, reminding participants to utilise Lagos State emergency numbers such as 112 and 767.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Sesan Olowa, said the programme forms part of efforts aimed at preparing young people for leadership roles in society.
Represented by the Supervisor for Youth and Sports in the local government, Balogun Hakeem Oluwole, Olowa noted that youths currently play significant roles across various sectors in Nigeria, making it essential to invest in their development and capacity building.
He added that the local government remains committed to organising more programmes that empower young people and equip them with the skills required to contribute positively to their communities.
Olowa expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from the YOU-LEAD programme would enable participants to become proactive leaders capable of driving development and responding effectively to challenges within their communities.
