LERSA, American Corner Partner with Ibeju-Lekki LG to Boost Youth Development

LERSA, American Corner Partner with Ibeju-Lekki LG to Boost Youth Development

Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos – April 1, 2025

In a strategic move to foster youth empowerment and community development, the Executive Team of the Lekki-Epe Residents Stakeholders Association (LERSA), in collaboration with the American Corner, has announced plans to partner with the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government.

The high-level meeting, held at the Council Secretariat in Igando-Oloja, brought together key stakeholders including the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Engr. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa; LERSA President, Alhaji Sullyman Bello; and the Administrative Head of the American Corner, Mrs. Tina Odiette.

Discussions centered around launching joint initiatives focused on youth development, human capacity building, and entrepreneurship. The partnership aims to tap into the strengths of each party to provide platforms for young residents to acquire essential skills and opportunities for growth.

LERSA, a prominent community-based organization along the Lekki-Epe corridor, commended the local government for its consistent efforts in empowering youth. In line with its mission to contribute to socio-economic development, the association facilitated the proposed collaboration with the American Corner—an initiative of the United States Mission in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Engr. Olowa highlighted existing local government initiatives, including partnerships with Pan Atlantic University (PAU) and Lagos State Cooperative College (LACOCO), which have significantly impacted youth education and skill acquisition. He noted that over 400 pupils have benefited from the PAU program, with six students currently on full scholarships at the university. Similarly, 80 students have been trained in Microfinance and earned City and Guilds certifications through LACOCO.

Mrs. Odiette described the American Corner as a dynamic initiative designed to empower Nigerian youth with training in entrepreneurship, information technology, and access to higher education opportunities in the United States.

Also present at the meeting were other LERSA executives, including Mrs. Oluyemisi Ladi-Sanni, Prince Adewale Taorid Ojora, and Mr. Emmanuel Etuk.

This promising partnership is expected to pave the way for more structured programs aimed at equipping the youth of Ibeju-Lekki with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.

— Akadiri Ayorinde, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government