Lagos State Government has announced plans to send selected Youth Ambassadors on an international study tour to the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore, as part of its commitment to nurturing globally competitive young leaders and exposing them to international best practices in governance, innovation and sustainable development.
The announcement was made recently during a press briefing organised by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja.
Welcoming members of the media and stakeholders to the briefing, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu said the initiative is aimed at equipping Lagos State Youth Ambassadors with valuable knowledge, skills and global perspectives that will enhance their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos State.
According to her, the study tour forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to expose young people to global best practices in leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and youth development.
“We believe that this study tour will broaden the horizons of our Youth Ambassadors, equip them with valuable knowledge and skills, and inspire them to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of our society, particularly Lagos State,” she stated.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende described the programme as another landmark initiative demonstrating the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to youth leadership development and global exposure.
He noted that as Africa’s largest sub-national economy and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, Lagos requires a new generation of leaders with the vision, competence, innovation and global outlook necessary to address emerging challenges and drive sustainable development.
The Commissioner explained that the study tour is the fourth international learning programme facilitated by the Ministry for youth leaders, following previous engagements in Barcelona, Spain (2022), Helsinki, Finland (2024), and Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada, with additional learning sessions in Toronto (2025).
He disclosed that the Singapore study tour is scheduled to take place from July 2 to July 12, 2026, and will provide participants with direct exposure to one of the world’s most remarkable development success stories.
“Singapore represents a powerful example of what can be achieved when leadership is driven by long-term thinking, accountability, innovation and citizen-focused governance,” Ogunlende said.
The Honourable Commissioner further highlighted the global reputation of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy as a leading institution for public policy, governance and leadership development, attracting policymakers, public officials and emerging leaders from across the world.
According to him, participants will engage with world-class faculty, experienced practitioners and senior policymakers while gaining practical insights into public leadership, policy innovation, urban governance, sustainable development, public service excellence and technology-driven governance.
He emphasised that the objective of the programme is not to replicate foreign models wholesale, but to enable participants to understand the principles behind successful governance systems and adapt relevant lessons to the realities of Lagos State.
“We expect beneficiaries to return not merely with certificates, but with actionable ideas, policy insights, community projects and innovative solutions that can contribute to the development of Lagos State,” he added.
Ogunlende urged the Youth Ambassadors to view the opportunity as a responsibility to serve and inspire others, noting that they carry the hopes and aspirations of millions of young Lagosians, adding that the study tour aligns with the developmental vision of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration under the THEMES+ Agenda, which places youth development and leadership advancement among its strategic priorities.
The Commissioner expressed confidence that the initiative will further strengthen the Ministry’s vision of building a network of globally exposed, locally relevant and impact-driven youth leaders who will continue to serve as catalysts for positive change across the five divisions of Lagos State.