The maiden edition of the Epe Local Government Emerging Leaders Programme has successfully concluded, marking the completion of a transformative leadership initiative that equipped young people with the knowledge, skills, and mindset required to become visionary leaders, responsible citizens, and agents of positive change.
The two-day intensive programme, an initiative of the Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, Hon. Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, FHTI, was designed to identify, nurture, and empower exceptional young people with practical leadership competencies, civic values, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to the development of Epe and beyond.
The programme was implemented by NextGen Growth Lab and coordinated by Mahruf Odunare, Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State Youth Parliament, whose leadership ensured the successful delivery of the initiative from conception to completion.
Participants were immersed in a rich blend of interactive learning sessions delivered by distinguished facilitators with proven records in leadership and youth development.
The opening session on Youth Leadership and National Development was facilitated by Dr. Paul Olugbenga, who challenged participants to embrace purposeful leadership and national service as catalysts for sustainable development.
Renowned educator and Award-Winning Best Secondary School Teacher in Nigeria, TR. Yussuf Kassim, delivered an engaging session on Communication and Public Speaking, equipping participants with practical techniques for effective communication, confidence building, and impactful public engagement.
Participants were also inspired during the session titled “My Hood! My Solution!”, facilitated by Amb. Adesanya Ibrahim, a winner of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy’s YouLead Initiative in Ibeju-Lekki. The session encouraged young leaders to identify challenges within their communities and develop innovative, locally driven solutions capable of creating lasting social impact.
The programme further featured a session on Ethical and Transformational Leadership, facilitated by Amb. Rahmon Saheed, Fellow of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy and Executive Director of NextGen Growth Lab, who emphasized the importance of integrity, accountability, servant leadership, and values-based decision-making in building sustainable institutions and communities.
Beyond the classroom sessions, participants actively engaged in networking opportunities, book review and discussion sessions, collaborative learning activities, and peer-to-peer engagements designed to foster teamwork, broaden perspectives, and strengthen leadership capacity.
Throughout the programme, participants demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine commitment to personal growth, reflecting the immense potential of Epe’s young people when provided with the right opportunities and guidance.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, FHTI, reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to investing in youth development, human capital advancement, and creating platforms that prepare young people to become innovative leaders and contributors to community development.
The successful conclusion of the programme represents another significant milestone in the administration’s vision of building a generation of ethical, innovative, and community-driven leaders capable of shaping a brighter future for Epe.
As the curtain falls on the maiden edition of the Emerging Leaders Programme, the participants leave not only with new knowledge and practical skills but also with renewed purpose, expanded networks, and a shared commitment to driving positive change within their communities.
The Epe Local Government Emerging Leaders Programme stands as a testament to the administration’s belief that investing in young people today is the surest pathway to securing a prosperous and sustainable future for Epe.