2019 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Kicks Off with 519 Participants

The 2019 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), has kicked off with a total number of 519 participants from across Lagos and Ogun states.

 

 

 

RYLA is an annual training programme by Rotary International, usually organized by various Rotary districts across world. District 9110, Nigeria which covers all Rotary clubs in Lagos and Ogun states is no exception as the district leverages on the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (Sea School) facility in Apapa area of Lagos state to train its participants.

                      

This year’s edition of the training programme records over 500 participants who will be trained in the area of leadership, physical fitness, and skill acquisition.

 

The 8-day programme commenced with the arrival of the participants at the Sea School on Saturday, November 23, followed by the opening ceremony on Sunday, November 24. The programme will last until Sunday, December 1 when the closing ceremony will be held.

 

The District Governor, Dr. Jide Akeredolu, while addressing the participants, explained the purpose of the programme. “We are building you up to be people who can face the world. The world is quite challenging out there. At the end of this training, you all must have been equipped to face the world. We shall make you strong men and women” the District Governor stated.

 

“You will be taught leadership skills, physical skills, and all the skills necessary for you to face the real world, out of the protection of daddy and mummy. I hope that at the end of the day, you will all come out of RYLA 2019 stronger and ready to face the world”, he added.

 

The Sea School Coordinator, Mr. Tajudeen Mustapha, in his remarks stated, “On behalf of the Minister of Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, I welcome you all. The sea school play a major role in developing Nigeria youths. Our training prepares the youths for the opportunities, challenges, and experiences of adult life.”

 

Noting that the number of RYLA participants at the sea school keep increasing over the years, he commended the Rotary district for their effort in sponsoring the participants.

 

He also commended the 2019 RYLA Committee Chairman, Abiodun Oshinibosi for his provisions to the school which will be used for the welfare of the participants while the programme lasts. He highlighted the provisions to include 25 ceiling fans, 10 bags of rice, and 205 mattresses.

 

Thanking the past RYLA team also, he noted that the guest house and the hall was also renovated and painted respectively by the 2018 RYLA team.

 

The guest speaker at the opening ceremony was Kunle Adebiyi, the Chief Sales Executive, MTN Nigeria. “You need to find ways of connecting with people”, Mr. Adebiyi told the participants. Mr. Adebiyi was however instantaneously inducted by DG Akeredolu into Rotary Club of Omole Golden.

 

The event also featured prizes of honour in various categories: