Lagos lauds Islamic group on youth development

Lagos State government has commended the Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP) for initiating a youth development oriented programme to prepare the teeming young minds for a brighter future.

Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Princess Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf urged other professional bodies to emulate GMP by coming “forward to assist the government in engaging our youths in productive ways.”

Delivering a keynote address at a leadership workshop for youths in the health profession organised by GMP Medical Group at Learning Centre, CIPM House, Alausa, Ikeja, Mrs Akinbile-Yussuf, said government could not do it alone, hence “we are seeking support from corporate bodies, organisations and professionals to organise this similar programme in preparing our youths for the challenges ahead of them.

“We all believe our youths are the leaders of tomorrow. However, that tomorrow must start today. Now, the onus lies on our youths to be effective in any leadership position they find themselves. It is not in doubt that Lagos State remains the most populous state in the federation by virtue of the population estimate of over 23,305 million people and population density of 6,515 people per square kilometre in 2015.

“This is why Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is organising activities and programmes towards grooming our youths to be effective leaders tomorrow.

“One of such interventions is Ibile Youth Academy (IYA). This programme is aimed at addressing issues of this vibrant segment of our population and to inculcate in the youth the virtues of citizenship, leadership and volunteerism for the development of their personality, society, the state and by extension the nation.”

She implored the participants to judiciously make use of the knowledge acquired at the workshop to mould their lives positively in preparing for the future.

Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) Provost, Prof Babatunde Solagberu enjoined the participants to be the best in whatever they are doing, saying: “Even if it is language you study, be the best in it. Your career is very important. Do not be second-class in your profession. Aim higher and you will be successful.”

He advised youths to always consult experts for advice.

A professor of Morbid Anatomy, Fatimah AbdulKareem, said: “You cannot lead without having something to offer. Let’s see ourselves as leaders in our various places of work.”

She told youths that their obligation is to reach the peak of their profession, warning that there is no room for mediocrity.
Prof. AbdulKareem urged them to be God-fearing, saying they should elect credible people as mentors.