More than 400 young Nigerians have been equipped with critical leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), sponsored by MTN Nigeria and organised by Rotary International District 9111.
At the closing ceremony held on August 9 in Apapa, District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Bukola Bakare, challenged the graduating participants to move beyond recognition and use their newly acquired skills to address Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges.
Established globally by Rotary International in 1971, RYLA is an all-expenses-paid leadership development programme for young people aged 14 to 30. Organised and sponsored by Rotary clubs, the academy provides intensive training in leadership, ethics, teamwork, community service, and personal development. With the support of MTN Nigeria and other partners, this year’s programme empowered over 400 young leaders with the skills, confidence, and mindset required to create positive change in their communities.
Addressing participants at the ceremony, Bakare emphasised that completing the academy marked the beginning of a lifelong leadership journey. “Don’t let RYLA become just another certificate. Let it become a turning point in your life,” she said.
Highlighting the vital role of young people in nation-building, she encouraged participants to move beyond passive complaints and become ethical, solution-driven leaders. “Nigeria needs young people who are courageous, ethical, innovative, and compassionate,” Bakare added. “Leadership is not about titles or positions; it is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and in the communities we serve.”
Commenting on the sponsorship, Emamoke Ogoro, General Manager, Brand and Communications, MTN Nigeria, reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to youth development and leadership empowerment.
“At MTN, we believe that empowering young people with the right tools, opportunities, and leadership capacity is essential to building a more prosperous and sustainable future. Through initiatives such as RYLA, we are investing in a generation of changemakers who will drive innovation, create impact, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.
She further noted that MTN’s support for RYLA reflects the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and enabling young Nigerians to realise their full potential.
Participants were encouraged to return to their schools, workplaces, and communities to initiate service projects, mentor others, and remain actively engaged with Rotary programmes such as Interact and Rotaract.
The ceremony concluded with appreciation for the RYLA committee, facilitators, corporate sponsors, and Rotarians whose contributions made the 2026 academy possible.
