General News
THE Lagos State Government says it will continue providing opportunities for youths to thrive globally through leadership development and international exposure initiatives.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, said this at a media briefing on Monday at the ministry’s conference hall in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the briefing announced the 2026 Ibile Youth Academy Study Tour to Singapore.
The Ibile Youth Academy Study Tour is a fully sponsored international leadership and cultural immersion programme organised by the Lagos State Government.
The programme, established in 2017, serves as the apex reward for outstanding youth ambassadors and transformational leaders who excel in the academy’s multi-stage leadership boot camps.
Ogunlende said the selection process for participants was transparent and based on merit.
He said the 2026 study tour to Singapore would hold from July 6 to July 15.
According to him, the initiative demonstrates the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to youth leadership development and global exposure.
He said the state had nurtured young leaders through its Ambassadors Programme before establishing the Ibile Youth Academy initiative.
The commissioner said the initiatives had continued to mentor and empower exceptional young leaders across Lagos State’s five divisions.
“This initiative reflects our continued resolve to equip young leaders with knowledge, skills and global perspectives required to contribute meaningfully to our state’s development.”
“The future of Lagos State rests significantly in the hands of our young people.”
“Lagos requires a new generation of leaders with vision, competence, innovation and strategic outlook to navigate complex challenges and create sustainable solutions,” Ogunlende said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, described the study tour as a deliberate and sustained state investment.
She said the initiative was designed to produce a new generation of visionary, responsible and globally competitive young leaders.
“The Ministry of Youth and Social Development recognises that leadership development extends beyond the classroom.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, exposing young leaders to international best practices, innovative governance models and practical public policy experiences is essential.”
“This will prepare them to contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the state sponsored youth ambassadors to Barcelona, Spain, in 2022, Finland in 2024 and Canada in 2025.
She said the study tours focused on education, innovation and development.
The permanent secretary added that Lagos State had continued strengthening its position as Africa’s leading economic and cultural hub.
Mr Julius Ilori, Principal Partner and pioneer member of the initiative, said the programme had transformed many beneficiaries, including himself.
Ilori said participants had been adequately prepared with responsibilities required for the study tour.
He said the ambassadors would engage international experts, including the National Youth Council of Singapore, to exchange knowledge on governance.
According to him, participants will return with knowledge, international networks and actionable solutions that will benefit Lagos State.
The participants thanked the ministry and the Lagos State Government for the opportunity and pledged to become exceptional leaders.
Speaking on their behalf, the Lagos State Apex Youth Ambassador, Mr Adetomiwa Banjo, promised to maximise the opportunity provided by the state.
Banjo thanked Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for fulfilling his promise to sponsor the study tour.
He said the participants would acquire more knowledge on governance and voluntarism during the programme.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Social Development, Mr Biliamin Oba, urged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the state.
Oba, a pioneer member of the initiative, advised them to document their experiences and eschew bad behaviour throughout the programme.
Another pioneer member of the initiative, Mr Idris Saheed, urged the ambassadors to remain open-minded, objective and build networks with their foreign counterparts.
(NAN)
W.U
June 29, 2026
Tags: Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende Mrs Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu