The Rotary Club of Ikeja, a leading club within Rotary International District 9111, has strengthened its commitment to youth development by training 60 Interactors from five Interact Clubs in leadership and community service at Ikeja Junior High School, Muis Banire Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

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The one-day Rotary Club Ikeja leadership training exposed the young participants to practical lessons on Rotary, leadership, effective club management, project planning and execution, teamwork and responsible citizenship.

The programme was designed to equip the students with practical skills that can help them contribute meaningfully to their clubs, schools and wider communities.

Speaking at the training, the Vice President of the Rotary Club of Ikeja, Rotarian Osato Osawaye, urged the young participants to nurture their passion and ambition from an early age.

Osawaye challenged the Interactors to keep their “fire in the belly” burning through every stage of life, stressing that passion, purpose and determination were essential qualities for sustained leadership.

The club’s Youth Service Chair, Rotarian Titi Akintan, encouraged the participants to regard leadership as a continuous journey rather than a position.

Akintan urged the Interactors to progress from being ordinary members to active participants and, ultimately, change-makers capable of creating positive impact wherever they find themselves.

The training was themed “Sharing Knowledge, Igniting Purpose and Shaping Value”, reflecting the organisers’ emphasis on developing young people who can combine leadership with service and responsible citizenship.

The programme also supported Rotary’s Youth Service objectives while advancing its areas of focus on Basic Education and Literacy and Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention.

Through discussions and practical sessions, the participants were encouraged to understand the importance of teamwork, responsible decision-making and effective planning when undertaking projects within their schools and communities.

The organisers said the initiative was intended not only to strengthen Interact Clubs but also to help young people develop the confidence and skills required to address challenges around them.

The event brought together Rotary and Rotaract leaders, including Rotarian Bukunola Solle-Balogun, District 9112 District Chair for New Club Development; Rotarian Emeka Metus, District 9111 Interact Chair; Rotaractor Anjorin Olorunju; and Rotarian Bola Bido.

The participation of the district representatives further underscored the importance attached to youth development within the Rotary family.

For the 60 Interactors, the programme offered an opportunity to learn beyond the classroom and gain a deeper understanding of leadership as a responsibility anchored in service, teamwork and positive community impact.

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The Rotary Club of Ikeja’s initiative reinforces the role of youth-focused programmes in preparing young people to take on leadership responsibilities and contribute constructively to society.