The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Isolo Local Branch, has trained prefects of selected junior and senior secondary schools across the council area on leadership to strengthen their capacities and prepare them for effective leadership.
The training, held on Wednesday at the Isolo Community Hall on Akinbaiye Street, brought together students from various secondary schools across the council area to benefit from the wealth of experience of seasoned speakers, including the Director-General of the Lagos Youth Development Institute (LYDI), Dr. Jamiu Ademosu, and the Founder and CEO of Westpoint Nigeria, Surveyor Michael King, among others.
According to the group’s Coordinator, Damilola Kushimo, the leadership programme was designed to enhance the capacity of student leaders by exposing them to the fundamentals of leadership while also preparing them for life beyond school.
Kushimo explained that the mandate of the youth umbrella body goes beyond protecting and promoting the interests of young people in society, as it also seeks to build their capacities and empower them to take ownership of their future.
“This training was borne out of our desire not to leave the generation after us behind. Today’s programme is in partnership with Lagos Isolo Leo Club and one of our Community-Based Organisations, Be The Change Initiative. The participants you’re seeing here are leaders in their own capacity, and the future belongs to them.
“While the theme is ‘Lead to Serve’, which, in simpler terms, means leadership as an act of service, the speakers will be talking about how they (the participants) can lead by example, their role as leaders in promoting security, and educating their peers against social vices such as substance abuse, among others.
“Also, another part of the session will feature a presentation on how they can easily transition from student leaders to community and global leaders because, of course, there is life after school,” Kushimo explained.
He added that the students are expected to put the lessons from the training into practice and share the knowledge gained with their peers in their respective schools.
Kushimo appreciated the local government, traditional institution and other well-meaning individuals for their support towards the programme, while commending the planning committee, led by the Director of the local branch’s Directorate of Education and Training, Mr. Daniel Osibanjo, for the successful execution of the programme.
One of the participants, Lawal Tobiloba, commended the organisers, noting that the training had significantly improved his understanding of leadership.
“I’ve gained a lot, and one of them is that being a leader is not about position; it’s a responsibility. If you want to achieve a high goal, you must sacrifice greatly. Leadership is a responsibility you have to handle responsibly and positively,” he said.
Another participant, Ogunsanya Oluwaseun, said the programme had strengthened her understanding of values and leadership.
“This programme has really empowered me and helped solidify my morals. I’ll share all I’ve learned with my peers. I’d like to appreciate NYCN for this programme,” she said.
Also speaking, Amina Husseni expressed appreciation to the organisers, saying the training had contributed to her personal development and understanding of leadership.
“I’ve gained greater knowledge about leadership, a lot to enhance my personal development and the growth of my community. I appreciate the Coordinator, Mr. Damilola, and I’m really grateful for what NYCN has done,” she said.
