Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has postponed the Leadership Academy for Youth, popularly called IBILE Youth Ambassador Programme, earlier scheduled for January to February 2026.
 
In a statement by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Isiwele Gabriel Olushola, the ministry stated that it is to allow prospective participants who are majorly from tertiary institutions in the state at present writing their examinations the opportunity to be able to participate.
   
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, in the statement, said: “We have decided to shift the date earlier fixed for the annual leadership academy for our youths taking into cognisance the fact that most of them are currently writing their examinations.
 
“Since there is nothing cast in stone about the former arrangements, we are taking this step just to ensure that as many as possible among our young people are given the opportunity to participate.We don’t want any eligible young person to be denied this once in a year opportunity or sidelined for any reason.”
 
According to Ogunlende, the divisional training would now run from 9 to 13 February; One Day Leadership Seminar and Alumni Launch on 17th February; and Residential Bootcamp from 22nd to 28th February,2026.
 
Also speaking on the new development, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu assured the young people who are participating in this year’s programme of more enlightening leadership packaged and fun-filled activities in a   conducive environment that would make 2026 better than the previous editions.

“This adjustment reflects the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the academic responsibilities of young people while providing meaningful leadership and capacity building opportunities for participants,” the Permanent Secretary added.