.Empower 200 students

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Alumni Association of Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, LJLA, has reaffirmed it’s commitment to supporting young people through initiatives that create lasting impact.

This comes as the academy successfully concluded the second edition of the Stay in School Project, reaching over 200 Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students at Iganmu Senior High School, Iganmu, Lagos, with educational materials, mentorship, and life skills sessions aimed at encouraging students to remain committed to their education and personal development.

The initiative, themed around promoting educational continuity and youth empowerment, combined the distribution of learning materials with impactful mentorship sessions delivered by members of the LJLA Alumni community.

The Chairperson of LJLA Alumni Association, Adepeju Balogun-Awe, in her address on the occasion stressed the importance of education, leadership, and giving back to society.

According to Balogun-Awe, “The Stay in School Project continues to demonstrate the power of collective action and mentorship in shaping the future of young Nigerians, one student at a time.”

Also corroborating the chairperson, members of the association noted that the Stay in School Project reflects the enduring values of the academy by translating leadership into meaningful community service.

They also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to expanding the initiative and continuing to invest in programmes that inspire young people to remain in school, build character, and become responsible leaders.

The project was coordinated by the LJLA Alumni Council, comprising Olakunle Charles Adegunoye (Vice Chairperson), Karimat Yakubu (Public Relations Officer), among others.

Aishat Salami, one of the students who participated in a series of engaging mentorship sessions, encouraged the students to embrace determination, consistency, and the discipline of showing up every day, stressing that the habits they build today will shape their future.

Alausa Babatunde Akeem spoke on character development, reminding students that the choices they make today are a reflection of the future they desire.

Sanwo Kehinde educated the students on the dangers of drug abuse, highlighting its devastating effects and the importance of making healthy, informed decisions.

Ismail Sani challenged the students to remain focused despite distractions, urging them not to be swayed by negative influences but to stay committed to their goals.

Ifeoluwa Adebisi reinforced the value of education, encouraging the students to believe in their potential and reminding them that “school is not a scam.”

As part of the intervention, the LJLA Alumni donated over 800 exercise books and writing pens to support the students’ academic journey.

To encourage active participation, three students who excelled during the interactive question-and-answer session received copies of The Torchbearers: Rethinking Nigeria’s Future Together, a book written by members of the second cohort of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, with a foreword by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.