Rotary Trains Over 500 Youths In Leadership Development

The Rotary Club District 9125, in its annual leadership training for youths, tagged: “Rotary Youths Leadership Awards (RYLA),” has successfully trained over 500 young people in leadership development in its 2021/2022 edition of the program themed “Grow Young Leaders To Change Lives” for its new year “Rotary Serves To Change Lives.”

The training aims to help young people become dynamic leaders and change themselves by acquiring leadership skills that will have a direct impact on their potential growth and personal development. It also aims to develop leaders who will create sustainable positive change and become service-minded citizens through leadership tools to lead civic engagement and community organising activities.

The program was a six-day camp training held in two locations, the Federal Treasury Academy, Abuja, and the South-Western part of the country, Center for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, with an attendance of 322 and 240 participants, respectively.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership training and experience organized by Rotary clubs or its districts where youths develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.

The chairman of the planning committee, Mamud Mohammed at the official opening of the program welcomes participants, officials, and guests to the occasion.

“We all know why we are here today. RYLA is a program to celebrate and educate our youths on basic acquired skills needs to help them prepare for the future.

“Typically, the event shall last for six days and includes presentations, activities and workshops covering a variety of topics such as Build communication and problem-solving skills, skills acquisition, encourage the leadership of youth by youth, discovered strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in school or community, learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors, unlock potentials to turn motivation into action, and have fun and form a lasting friendship.”

Mr Mohammed added that participants are to enrol in any skill acquisition class available at the program, such as Tailoring, Shoemaking, Photography, CCTV installation, Makeup/gele tying, and yoghurt making while urging them to continue with their chosen acquisition after they leave the camp.

He also urged them to acquire skills and knowledge that will enable them to grow intellectually and also render services to their various communities and humanity at large.

The participants lauded the exercise and spoke of their experience.

Solomon Jebu, a participant at Abuja in CCTV Installation training class, during the visitation of the District Governor-Elect, Goddy Nnadi, said: “It is a pleasure to me to participate in this training, I have been able to develop the ability to analyze my strengths and weaknesses, set my personal and vocational goals, and I have also developed the self-esteem, confidence, motivation, and abilities, above all, I have build connections that I can say I have friends in every state I travelled.”

Mr Nnadi, while addressing the participants in the CCTV class, expressed his impression as many participants demonstrated their experience.

“For some days you’ve been in this camp, you have been given some presentations and training that will help you build your ability to lead productive and rewarding lives.

You have also been provided training that distinguishes you from others, which you shall use to guide and direct them on a course of action, influence their opinions and behaviours, and serve as a role model.”

The program which runs through 3rd September was graced with the presence of the District Governor, Ayoola Oyedokun, who in his closing remark appreciates the program consultant, PDG Nnoka, the chairman, and the entire team of the program for their immense support towards the success of the program. Mr Oyedokun while addressing the participants said: “You are not gathered to end your experience here but to go back to your various schools, homes, and communities with a positive change you’ve been prepared to be.”

“I saw a recent post of this program and I was so happy about it. The guy said ‘I’m not a lazy Nigerian, I’m a youth and I’ve learnt something here that’s going to make me a protective citizen of this country.

I know that by the end of the bonfire tonight, we’ll have a conic of what every one of us has gained.”

He, however, called on participants to remember that life is full of obstacles and challenges which shall come towards them in their lifetime.

“In life, we will have obstacles along our way, but what to do with it depends on every one of us.

“As we leave here, let’s fight whatever challenge that comes our way, with the hope that we’ll surmount it, we’ll overcome it and we will be better leaders. With what you’ve all learnt here you can change the lives of people around you.”

At the end of his address, he charged participants to leave with a mindset to serve to change lives and put smiles on other faces.

The program ended with a passing out parade upon completion of the training with Mr Oyedokun, the Chief Guest.