The Lagos State Government has approved an overseas study tour for youth leaders in the state. The Ministry of Youth and Social Development, led by Commissioner Mobolaji Ogunlende, unveiled the initiative during a press briefing, where a joint agreement was signed for the “Empower Lagos” programme.
The tour, organised in collaboration with Future Perspectives, will take the participants to Queen’s University in Toronto, Canada, to expose them to global leadership practices.
Ogunlende, in his keynote address, spoke on the state government’s commitment to youth development and leadership training.
He added that the programme is part of efforts to broaden the perspectives of youth leaders, equipping them with the skills needed for meaningful contributions to policymaking, innovation, and community development in Lagos.
“This tour will empower our youth leaders to think globally, lead confidently, and act with civic responsibility,” Ogunlende said.
The study tour, which focuses on “Leadership in Innovation and Sustainable Development,” includes cultural immersions and visits to key sites such as the Dunin Deshpande Innovation Centre, Niagara Falls, and the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. The participants will also participate in the prestigious Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship at Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, described the programme as a significant step in developing the leadership potential of Lagos youth. “Empower Lagos is not just a call to action; it is a movement to showcase our young people as the changemakers of today,” she said.
Abby Asekun, Executive Director of Future Perspectives, added that the programme was designed to provide academic and practical entrepreneurial experiences to the participants, ensuring they become well-rounded leaders equipped for the challenges ahead.
