By Samuel Adeola
Rotary International District 9127 has commenced a week-long leadership academy for 400 youths from 16 northern states and the FCT.
The programme, Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA 2025), is taking place at the Treasury Academy, Ozoro, Abuja, under the theme “Passion, Action, and Reaction.”
District Governor, Dr. Joy Nky-Okoro, said the initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with leadership and life skills to drive national development. “RYLA builds leadership capacity and empowers youths to pursue their dreams and positively impact others,” she said.
Other speakers encouraged participants to remain focused. Dr. Othman Abdulrasheed urged them to pursue their dreams despite current national challenges, while Rotarian Baba Bala of Rotary Club, Abuja Jabi Lakeside, emphasized entrepreneurship.
“Beyond your current job or education, discover another passion and follow it,” Bala said.
Chair of the RYLA 2025 Organising Committee, Rotarian Jumoke Ekeinde, noted that the academy connects youths to global opportunities while promoting humanitarian service, leadership, and care for the vulnerable.
District Governor-elect, Rotarian Sikiru Owonikoko, urged participants to share the knowledge gained in line with Rotary’s mission to serve humanity.
