The Governor of Rotary Club district 9112, cutting across parts of Lagos and Ogun States, Rotarian Olufemi Clement Adenekan has thrown more light over the body’s continuous focus on youth development.
Sports247.ng reports that Rotarian Adenekan, who is fondly called ‘DG’ by Rotary Club members and associates, pointed out that only proper moulding and education of today’s youth would make them useful for their various communities in future.
Speaking against the backdrop of the district’s first Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), which began on Saturday at Sea School, Apapa, Lagos and will and this Sunday, Adenekan disclosed that they have also provided a vibrant opportunity for many talents to be showcased.
He added that, apart from aiding Rotary’s efforts at ensuring a better future for Nigeria, RYLA 2024 also helps to enhance a myriad of potentials that would otherwise have been left latent.
Adenekan was beaming with delight as he declared:
“This is the pioneer Rotary District 9112 RYLA for youths between ages 14 and 25 participating in this year’s event. It is their first experience in this district.
“I welcome you all into this life and career path. It is part of the concept of Rotary to unleash the potential of our youths.
“This is pertinent, because the Rotary International theme for the 2024/2025 Rotary year is The Magic of Rotary.
“This is, therefore, an opportunity to leverage the resources, network and programmes of Rotary International to foster leadership education and personal development among youths.”
The amiable DG then gave a rundown of various age groups that Rotary Club uses in promoting its youth development ideals at various stages of their academic progression.
While using the opportunity to recognise some youth leaders and achievers that were present during his speech, Adenekan cited Interact Clubs in secondary schools and Rotaract for tertiary institutions that take Rotary’s message to young people.
“Rotary offers several youth focused programmes in schools, such as Interact Club for people between the ages of 14 and 18, as well as Rotaract Club for youths between the ages of 18 and 31 yesrs,” Adenekan enumerated.
He concluded by pointing out the developmental values that RYLA Camp provides, as it brings together numerous young people of various ages from different families, tribes, communities and social backgrounds.
