By Jelilah Bilal

As part of preparations for the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) 2026, the Chairman of RYLA 2026, Rotarian Jide Ogunleye, alongside members of the planning committee, paid a strategic visit to the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth & Social Development, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende.

The visit which took place at Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Alausa had fruitful engagement which include discussion on  collaboration opportunities, youth development and the endorsement of the Lagos State government during the event. 

The commissioner assured of Lagos State’s commitment to activities and programmes that encourage the youth in pathways to positive leadership. 

He expressed appreciation to committee for the visit noting that efforts at improving status of Lagos youth are of priority to his ministry. 

The Planning Committee Chairman, Ogunleye thanked the commissioner for hosting the team while promising positive youth engagement during Rotary Youth Leadership Academy 2026 coming up in Lagos between August 1 and 9, 2026 at Sea School Island, Apapa. 

Ogunleye, in his address, said: “We are excited by the commissioner’s commitment to supporting this impactful initiative, RYLA 2026 and his passion for ensuring that more young people across various councils in Lagos State benefit from this transformative leadership experience.

He informed the commissioner of the desire of the committee to obtain the endorsement of the RYLA programme by Lagos State government. 

Also present at the meeting were: Rotarian Ben Dare, immediate Past President, Rotary Club of Akowonjo; Rotarian Dr. Racheal Adeyemi, Chair, Fundraising Sub-Committee, and Rotarian Fatoyinbo Adetayo, Secretary, RYLA 2026 Committee.