Lagos Youth Development Institute Graduates First Cohort
....“We Are Redefining Leadership” — Ademosu
Kathy Kyari
The Director General of the Lagos Youth Development Institute (LYDI), Jamiu Ademosu, has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to “building leaders and redefining leadership” in Lagos State, as the institute marked a historic milestone with the graduation of its first cohort at the Lagos Youth Leadership Conference 1.0.
Speaking at the maiden ceremony in Lagos on Wednesday, Ademosu described the event as the realization of a dream conceived to equip young Lagosians with transformative leadership, entrepreneurial, and civic skills.
"I’m really excited and elated that today, it was a vision yesterday. It was a dream that we were looking up to that one day, we were going to set up a platform that would nurture and build young people in Lagos State,” he said.
“Today, we are having the first edition of the Lagos Youth Leadership Conference 1.0, where we are graduating our first cohort, our baby that we have nurtured for over three months.”
The Director General expressed appreciation to the German development agency GIZ and its Nigerian-German Centre (MRC) for their partnership, describing them as “major partners for today’s event.”
“Since we met GIZ, we have really impacted the lives of many young people in Lagos State. We’ve had series of trainings, and as of today, beneficiaries are already giving testimonials and earning income from skills gained,” Ademosu noted.
Reflecting on LYDI’s journey, Ademosu emphasized that the institute’s foundation was built on purpose, conviction, and collaboration.
"LYDI is more than an institution — it’s a vision brought to life. It’s proof that when purpose meets action, transformation happens,” he said. “When we began this journey, we didn’t have it figured out yet, but we believed that young Lagosians deserve a platform that equips them with leadership, entrepreneurial, and civic skills to make lasting change in their communities.”
Ademosu revealed that over 600 applications were received for the inaugural cohort, from which 30 fellows were selected after a rigorous process. After 12 weeks of hybrid learning sessions facilitated by over 15 trainers and 10 field visits, 23 fellows successfully completed the program.
“Each number tells a story, a story of a young person who has found purpose, confidence, and clarity,” he said proudly. “Young people who once doubted their potential are now leading projects across communities in Lagos.”
The curriculum, according to Ademosu, was structured around three pillars - transformational leadership and personal development, entrepreneurial leadership and career advancement, and a capstone project aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He also disclosed that LYDI has established a functional secretariat and a digital membership network to sustain mentorship and peer learning beyond graduation. The institute also plans to expand its model to other parts of Nigeria and, eventually, across Africa.
“We are a baby, and we are ready to grow,” Ademosu said. “Structurally and strategically, we are improving. This is just the beginning. The journey ahead is vast, but we are moving with courage, conviction, and a shared commitment to service.”
He extended gratitude to the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, under Engr. Adegoun Ibrahim, and other partners, including Leap Africa, Civic Life, Inner Blogue Academy, and the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
Ademosu concluded with a renewed call to empower the next generation of Lagos leaders:
“At Lagos Youth Development Institute, we are not just building leaders, we are redefining leadership,” he declared. “Together, we are building a Lagos where young people lead with purpose, empathy, and courage. Lagos, where every youth is empowered to lead change in their community, workplace, and country. LYDI — empowering the youth, transforming Lagos.”
Founder of the Enterprise CEO, Seye Joseph, also charged young Nigerians to take responsibility for their future by embracing digital innovation and purposeful leadership, stressing that “the world has already changed” and that only proactive youths can shape the society they desire.
He emphasized that the current generation must not remain passive but should harness the limitless opportunities created by technology and innovation.
“Future-proof leaders are letting digital innovation for impact,” he said. “It’s very important for young people to understand that the age where we live now is not an age where you can just sit behind and think nothing is happening. The truth is that things are happening, except if you don’t want to do anything.”
According to him, young people today must embrace responsibility and become solution providers rather than spectators in the changing world.
“As I said in that panel session, the world is not changing, the world has changed. So young people these days need to take responsibility. No young person can tell me there’s nothing they can do in society. There must be one or two things they can do,” he stated.
He urged youths to reflect on their environment and identify areas where they can make a difference. “It is very, very important for them to understand and say to themselves, ‘if things are not really working in my environment, can I make things happen?’”
One of the graduands, Banjo Victoria, shared how the Lagos Youth Development Institute has shaped her personal and professional growth.
“The Lagos Youth Development Institute has impacted me in so many ways. When it comes to leadership or communication skills, it has refined me in a very great and important way that I didn’t think it would,” she said.
Banjo described LYDI as a “great part” of her success story, noting that the program opened doors she once thought were beyond her reach.
“I’ve been able to enter rooms that I thought I wouldn’t be able to, and I intend on passing it on to other youths out there by mentoring, empowering, and educating, using everything that I’ve learned in this institute,” she added.
Looking ahead, she said, “In the next few months and few years, I see myself sitting at tables and making policies, having dialogue conversations, and being a role model to those out there.”
The Lagos Youth Development Institute continues to play a vital role in nurturing young leaders across the state, equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to drive innovation and social transformation.
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