Lagos state government has reiterated its commitment to further partnership with the Rotary International District 9111 towards fostering the growth and development of youths in the state.
The state government made this commitment through the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende during the opening ceremony of Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) organized by Rotary International District 9111 on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Hon. Ogunlede while addressing the RYLA participants at the opening ceremony stated that the government recognizes that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow starting from today.
Recounting his daily busy schedule, he emphasized on the reason he had to make out time to attend the event saying, “I am here because we believe in you. You should not come here and leave here the same. If you come here and leave the same, you have failed and if you fail, we all have failed because we have wasted our time and resources.
“If I could rewind back time, what I would do differently is to have started earlier”, he said while encouraging the students to make good use of the opportunity they have now in building a better future for themselves.
Addressing the participants further on leadership, he highlighted 7 characteristics which are transparency, respect, integrity, trust, professionalism, accountability and passion as key ingredients to becoming a successful leader. “I am here because of the collaboration I have with the Rotary club”, he said while emphasizing on ‘Trust’.
“We have done our own part, it is left for you to do yours and by being here alone, you have started doing it, but it shouldn’t end here because you are building on it. We will continue to give you the platform that you need to continue up to the global stage”, he added while declaring his support and commitment to the programme by promising gifts to the best 15 participants.
The District Governor, Rotary International District 9111, Prince Henry Akinyele in his remarks charged participants to be of best behavior, good ambassadors of their sponsoring Rotary clubs and parents, make good friends and participate fully in all the programmes as best participants in various categories will be awarded at the end of the academy.
The event also had in attendance the District Governor-elect, Rtn Bukola Bakare and her spouse, Rtn (Chief) Lateef Bakare, the District Governor Nominee, Rtn Samuel Ayetutu and his spouse, District Governor of Rotary International District 9112, Rtn Lanre Adedoyin, and Past District Governors.
Members of Rotaract District 9111 led by the District Rotaract Representative Halilu Awesu were also well represented alongside Rotarct District 9112 led by District Rotaract Representative Ismaila Atitebi.
Also present was the Sea School Coordinator, Rtn (Dr) Ekundayo Olubunmie, members of the RYLA Committee led by Assistant Governor Ibironke Ogun, members of the District Governor's core team and other Rotarians.
RYLA is an annual youth programme of Rotary International, an organization of professional and businessmen and women who come together with the same goal of creating lasting impact in the world. RYLA is organized by various Rotary districts across the world.
This year, Rotary International District 9111 covering some Rotary clubs in Lagos and Ogun states brought together youth between the age of 14 and 25 at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre in Apapa, Lagos for the 8-day RYLA programme which will last between Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 24.
During this period, the participants will have the opportunity to network with their peers and create lasting friendship while acquiring skills and participating in healthy competitions. They will also meet and speak with industry stakeholders who will mentor and engage them on different educational topics.