400  youths to participate in 2026 Rotary's Leadership programme

The Rotary Club District 9111 has selected 400 youths to participate in this year's Rotary Youth Leadership Academy programme, RYLA.

The programme is a nine-day intensive leadership and character development camp scheduled to commence on August 1 at the Sea School, Snake Island, Apapa, Lagos with the aim of developing the youths in leadership, discipline, vocational skills, teamwork and personal development which will prepare them for future leadership roles.

Ahead of the commencement of the camp, the youths, on Monday, underwent an orientation programme to prepare them on what to expect in the camp.

The District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Rotarian Bukola Bakare, said the initiative was designed to prepare young people for leadership responsibilities in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing world.

Bakare described RYLA as one of Rotary International's flagship youth development programmes focused on mentoring young people and building their capacity for leadership, service and responsible citizenship.

According to her, Rotary believes that young people are not merely leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today who require guidance, mentorship and opportunities to develop their potential.

“This year, about 400 participants will undergo intensive training at the Sea School. We want to build their confidence, discipline and leadership abilities while preparing them to become responsible citizens capable of contributing positively to society,” she said.

She further disclosed that some participants would benefit from international exposure through exchange and training opportunities in the United Kingdom, Ghana and Canada, while participants from Ghana would also be admitted into the programme to promote cultural exchange and global understanding.

She said Rotary would consider the programme successful if participants returned to their schools, workplaces and communities inspired to initiate positive change.

Chairman of RYLA 2026/2027 committee, Rotarian Babajide Ogunleye, said the camp was designed for young people aged between 14 and 25 and would expose them to practical leadership experiences and vocational skills.

“We have participants learning photography, shoemaking, bead-making and other vocational skills. They will also interact with accomplished leaders from different sectors who will share experiences capable of inspiring them to greater achievements,” he said.

Ogunleye explained that all participants were nominated and sponsored by Rotary clubs from various districs, adding that only first-time attendees were selected for this year's programme.

Addressing the participants, Camp Commandant, Dr. Ekundayo, outlined the strict code of conduct guiding the exercise, stressing the importance of discipline, punctuality, honesty and self-control.

He warned against fighting, theft, lateness and other forms of misconduct, noting that the training would expose participants to carefully managed challenges designed to build resilience, courage and leadership capacity.

“We expose participants to manageable and calculated risks. We challenge them physically, mentally and emotionally because leadership requires discipline, resilience and self-restraint,” he said.

The Commandant added that all activities at the camp would be compulsory and participants would be expected to adhere strictly to the rules and timetable.

Some of the participants expressed excitement ahead of the programme.

One of them, Onyeka Okeke, said he looked forward to becoming more disciplined, confident and motivated through the training.

“I want to challenge myself, overcome my limitations and become a better version of myself,” he said.

Another participant, Ade Oluwanifemi, said the camp would help strengthen his leadership and life skills while preparing him to become a responsible member of society.