The Lagos State Government and stakeholders have highlighted the importance of leadership development, effective communication and emergency response skills in empowering 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 the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Divisional Head of the Adolescent and Youth Health Division at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. 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 in their communities.
According to her, effective communication is 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 will also expose participants to emergency response training, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which will help prepare them to respond appropriately during crisis situations.
Dr. Ayeni noted that the knowledge gained during the training is expected to create a ripple effect as participants apply what they have learnt and pass it on to others in their communities.
Also speaking, Vice President Membership of Eagle Toastmasters Club, Feigne Suinner, stressed the role of communication in mobilising communities and driving collective action.
She explained that effective communication helps leaders clearly convey their messages and encourage community members to support development initiatives.
Suinner noted that communication is a skill that requires practice and patience, urging young participants to be intentional about their words, tone and listening abilities.
A medical practitioner with over a decade of experience in emergency medicine, Dr. Femi Ogunmoku, said the training had equipped participants with the knowledge needed to handle emergency situations such as accidents, injuries and sudden medical collapse.
Dr. Ogunmoku also emphasised the importance of contacting emergency services when necessary, reminding participants to make use of Lagos State emergency numbers such as 112 and 767.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ibeju Lekki, Hon. Sesan Olowa, said the programme forms part of efforts to prepare young people for leadership roles in society.
According to him, youth currently play significant roles across different sectors in Nigeria, making it necessary to invest in their development and capacity building.
Olowa, who was represented by the Supervisor for Youth and Sports in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Balogun Hakeem Oluwole, said the local government remains committed to organising more programmes aimed at empowering young people and preparing them to contribute positively to their communities.
He expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from the training would enable participants to become proactive leaders capable of driving development and responding effectively to challenges within their communities.
