Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled the winners of the 2025/2026 IBILE Youth Ambassador programme after a week-long leadership boot camp for young participants.
Eko Hot News reports that the unveiling ceremony took place at Lagos House Ikeja and brought together government officials, youth leaders and participants of the programme.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, alongside senior government officials and representatives of youth organisations across the state.
Also present were members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Lagos State Chapter) and lawmakers from the Lagos Youth Parliament.
During the ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated the winners and encouraged young people in Lagos to continue developing leadership skills and community-driven initiatives.
He assured the youth of the government’s commitment to creating programmes and policies that strengthen their leadership capacity and prepare them for global opportunities.
The Governor added that some participants of the programme would have opportunities to travel abroad for leadership training and exposure to international best practices.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that investing in youth development remains a key priority for his administration as part of efforts to build a stronger and more innovative future for Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, described the IBILE Youth Academy as a flagship initiative of the ministry.
According to him, the programme is designed to equip young people with knowledge, leadership values and practical skills that will help them excel in various sectors of society.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, also highlighted the importance of the initiative.
She noted that the IBILE Youth programme reflects the state government’s strong commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.
Oke-Osanyintolu added that the initiative aligns with the administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda which prioritises education, empowerment and social inclusion.
At the end of the programme, several young leaders emerged as ambassadors representing different divisions of the state.
Adetomiwa Banjo emerged as the State Youth Ambassador, while Osuntobo Oluwabunmi became the ambassador representing the Ikeja division.
Other winners include Waliat Sulaimon, Abigael Hungbo, Ayomide Dacosta and Layole Sumayyah.
The ambassadors are expected to implement community-based projects that address social challenges in their respective divisions.
As part of the event, the ministry also recognised outstanding members of the outgoing cohort with cash gifts and letters of commendation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu further announced that the 44 participants who did not emerge as winners would also receive consolation gifts in appreciation of their dedication and participation.
Officials noted that the IBILE Youth Academy continues to serve as an important platform for nurturing young leaders who are committed to community service and social development across Lagos State.
