The Lagos State G o v e r n m e n t and stakeholders have highlighted the importance of leadership development, ef- fective communication and emergency response skills in empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to com- munity development.

The call was made during the Youth Leadership, Emergency Action and Development (YOU-LEAD) programme organised by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy in collaboration with the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Divisional Head of the Adolescent and Youth Health Division at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ayeni Olasumbo, said the initiative was designed to equip young people with practical leadership and communication skills that will enable them to make positive impacts in their communities.

According to her, effective communication is a vital quality for every leader, not- ing that the training sessions were structured to help participants develop the ability to communicate clearly and confidently in different situations.

She added that the programme will also expose participants to emergency response training, including cardiopulmonary resuscita- tion (CPR), which will help prepare them to respond appropriately during crisis situations.

Ayeni noted that the knowledge gained during the training is expected to create a ripple effect as par- ticipants apply what they have learnt and pass it on to others in their communities.

Also speaking, Vice Presi- dent Membership of Eagle Toastmasters Club, Feigne Suinner, stressed the role of communication in mobilis- ing communities and driving collective action.