Rotary International, District 9127, has commenced a week-long leadership training for 400 youths selected from 16 states in northern Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The training, tagged Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA 2025), is taking place at the Treasury Academy, Ozoro, in Abuja, with a focus on three core objectives: passion, action and reaction.
Speaking at the event, District Governor, Dr. Joy Nky-Okoro, said the initiative was aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the requisite skills to become responsible citizens and contribute meaningfully to national development.
RYLA is an annual event that primarily aims to build leadership skills in the selected young people for them to achieve their aspirations in life and impart them to others positively,” she said.
She noted that the participants were carefully selected from across the region and tasked them with embracing patriotism, discipline, and hard work.
Other speakers at the event urged the youths to take advantage of the opportunity to unlock their potential. Dr. Othman Abdulrasheed advised them to pursue their dreams with determination, regardless of the prevailing situation in the country.
Rotarian Baba Bala of the Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside encouraged the participants to develop entrepreneurial skills, saying: “Aside from your study, work, or whatever you might be doing right now, identify another dream and follow it passionately.”
Chairman of the RYLA 2025 Organising Committee, Rotarian Jumoke Ekeinde, said the programme had over the years exposed participants to opportunities beyond Nigeria’s borders. She added that it promoted awareness of humanitarian service, leadership, and care for the vulnerable.
“This is why we urge the current set of trainees to share the knowledge gained with others,” Ekeinde said.
Also speaking, District Governor-elect, Rotarian Sikiru Owonikoko, charged the participants to extend the benefits of the training to others in line with Rotary’s commitment to serving humanity.
Some participants, including Peter Lucas and Abdullahi Shittu, expressed gratitude to Rotary 9127 and promised to cascade what they learned to their communities.
DAILY TRUST.
