2026 RYLA: Rotary To Train 400 Youths On Leadership, Character Development, Vocational Skills

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As part of efforts to train Nigerian youths on leadership and character development, discipline, vocational skills, teamwork and personal development, which will prepare them for future leadership roles, the Rotary Club District 9111 has selected 400 youths to participate in this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Academy programme (RYLA).

The District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Rotarian Bukola Bakare, noted that the programme, which is a nine-day intensive leadership and character development camp, is slated to start on August 1, at the Sea School, Snake Island, Apapa, Lagos.

Bakare said the initiative was designed to prepare young people for leadership responsibilities in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing world.

Ahead of the commencement of the camp exercise, the youths, on Monday, underwent an orientation programme to prepare them for the camp training.

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 2025/2026 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.

According to him: “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.” Ogunleye explained that all participants were nominated and sponsored by Rotary clubs from various districts, adding that only first-time attendees were selected for this year’s programme.

He noted that there will be speakers from all walks of life that will talk to the participant, teaching them about various things, talking about their various experiences.

“They’re going to get there through a boat. When you get to one of the docks in Apapa, they’re going to board a boat and go on to the island. For many of them, it will be one of the first times they’ll be getting on the water or going on an island.”

Camp Commandant, Dr. Olubunmi Ekundayo, while addressing the participants, emphasised the need for them to comport themselves at the comp, maintain discipline, punctuality, honesty and self-control, while outlining the strict code of conduct guiding the exercise.

Ekundayo, who cautioned the youths against fighting, theft, lateness and other forms of misconduct, noted that the training would expose participants to carefully manage 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 camp commandant added that all activities at the training ground would be compulsory and participants would be expected to adhere strictly to the rules and timetable.

Onyeka Okeke, one of the participants, expressed excitement ahead of the programme, saying that he looked forward to becoming more disciplined, confident and motivated through the training.

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

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