By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Leadership development took centre stage in Ogun State as the Agboola Leadership Academy (ALA) successfully hosted its Young Leaders Retreat 2026, bringing together an impressive gathering of young leaders, entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and changemakers committed to personal growth and societal transformation.
Held on June 27, 2026, the retreat served as a dynamic platform for learning, mentorship, networking, and capacity building. Participants from different backgrounds converged with a common purpose—to acquire practical leadership skills, exchange ideas, and strengthen their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the nation.
Throughout the retreat, participants engaged in insightful lectures, interactive discussions, leadership training sessions, and entrepreneurial presentations designed to inspire innovation, integrity, collaboration, and purposeful leadership. The programme reinforced the belief that true leadership extends beyond titles and positions, emphasizing service, vision, responsibility, and the ability to positively influence others.
One of the highlights of the retreat was the entrepreneurship session, where young innovators confidently pitched their business ideas before mentors and stakeholders. The session underscored the importance of investing in youth entrepreneurship by providing mentorship, financial support, and enabling opportunities that transform innovative ideas into sustainable ventures. It also demonstrated that meaningful youth empowerment requires deliberate action rather than mere rhetoric.
Speaking during the event, participants described the retreat as transformative, noting that the knowledge acquired and relationships established would continue to influence their leadership journeys long after the programme.
The retreat also received significant support from the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Jamiu Ogundele (popularly known as Jamsalod), whose sponsorship enabled the participation of more than 20 young people. His commitment to youth development, entrepreneurship, and leadership advancement was widely applauded as a practical demonstration of visionary and selfless public service.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment, Engr. Ogundele was presented with an Award of Honour during the retreat. The award acknowledged his unwavering investment in developing future leaders and expanding opportunities for young people across Ogun State through his consistent support for impactful initiatives such as the Agboola Leadership Academy.
The Founder of Agboola Leadership Academy (ALA), Mr. Agboola Olayinka Ibrahim (AOI), was also commended for his vision and dedication in establishing a leadership platform that continues to nurture responsible, competent, and purpose-driven young leaders. His sustained efforts have positioned the academy as one of the emerging platforms for leadership development and youth capacity building in Ogun State.
The retreat further highlighted the growing importance of collaborative efforts among government officials, private sector stakeholders, civil society organisations, and youth-focused institutions in preparing the next generation of leaders capable of addressing contemporary social and economic challenges.
As the programme concluded, participants departed with renewed determination to apply the lessons learned within their respective communities, organisations, and professional engagements. Beyond the knowledge acquired, the retreat fostered meaningful connections, strengthened networks of young professionals, and encouraged participants to embrace leadership as a lifelong commitment to service and nation-building.
Speaking after the event, the National Officer and Ogun West Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that provide young people with the knowledge, confidence, leadership skills, and opportunities necessary to become transformational leaders.
He emphasized that sustainable development can only be achieved when governments, institutions, and communities intentionally invest in young people through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
The Agboola Leadership Academy Young Leaders Retreat 2026 concluded with a strong call for continuous investment in youth empowerment, visionary leadership, and collaborative action. Participants agreed that by equipping young people with the right values, skills, and opportunities, society can build a generation capable of driving innovation, promoting good governance, and delivering lasting positive change across Ogun State and Nigeria.
