The Lagos State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on Tuesday made history as it unveiled 30 pioneer participants of its Lagos Youth Development Institute (LYDI).
The event which was held at the youth house, Yaba, Lagos concluded series of activities leading to the epochal onboarding ceremony which first began with the unveiling of the institute earlier in the year and registration of applicants as well as the rigorous screening exercise.
It was disclosed that over 600 young Lagosians applied for programme out of which 100 were shortlisted and 30 made the final list.
At the onboarding ceremony that was graced by notable government officials and stakeholders in the youth space, the Chairman of the youth umbrella body, Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan, MNSE, chairman congratulated the fellows as he charged them to be worthy pioneer students of the leadership institution. He urged them to dedicate themselves to the practical transformational leadership training and exposure that lie ahead of them.
He disclosed that the institute was in furtherance of the state chapter’s P3+ mantra which translates to Professionalism, Productivity and Publicity as well as in alignment with the state government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda especially as it has to do with positive youth engagement and leadership development.
Adigun appreciated the State Government for its incredible support for the programme through the ministry of Youth and Social Development.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Institute, Comrade Jamiu Ademosu disclosed that over the next 12 weeks, the fellows will explore the foundations of transformational leadership, develop career clarity, cultivate entrepreneurial skills and ultimately design capstone projects that will directly impact their community.
He added that LYDI is a platform where emerging leadership across the state can find their voice regardless of their background visibility and value.
Turning to the fellows, Ademosu said: “Today is more than a date on the calendar, it is the birth of a movement. A vision seeded in passion and watered by perseverance. A mission rooted in the belief that the youth of Lagos are not just leaders of tomorrow, but architects of today, bold enough to build, brave enough to lead, and brilliant enough to transform.”
Continuing, he said: “And now, as I look around this room and see 30 powerful, purpose-driven young minds, I am assured that the future we often dream about is already unfolding in front of us. To our dear fellows, I want you to know You are not here by accident. You were chosen from hundreds of applicants because you dared to show up, with your story, with your scars, with your strength, and with your desire to grow.
“This journey will challenge you, stretch you, and sometimes even shake you. But it will also shape you, and if you allow it, it will elevate you. Over the next 12 weeks, you will engage with mentors, experts, policy-makers, entrepreneurs, and fellow visionaries. You will explore the foundations of transformational leadership, develop career clarity, cultivate entrepreneurial skills, and ultimately design capstone projects that will directly impact your communities. This is not just training, it is a cradle of leadership evolution, where values, purpose, and action are forged into lasting legacy.
“We are not raising followers here. We are raising trailblazers, thinkers, builders, and community-rooted leaders who will walk into boardrooms, classrooms, council halls, tech hubs, and street corners and lead with integrity, innovation, and impact.”
The Director-general concluded by appreciating the youth council chairman Adigun for his visionary leadership and what he called a privilege to steer the affairs of the institution. Ademosu extended his gratitude to the Lagos State Commissioner for youth and social development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende and the Permanent Secretary, Pharm. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu for their support as well as other partners which he said includes Mind the Gap, American Corner, Leap Africa, Lounge 365 and Bakery, Aco multimedia, Lagos State SDGs Office, Ministry of Youth and Social Development and Civic Hive.
