YMCA LAGOS @ 80: SANWO-OLU APPLAUDS ASSOCIATION FOR ACTS OF KINDNESS

Lagos Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has applauded members of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Lagos for their acts of kindness and unwavering commitment to humanitarian services in the last eight decades.  

The commendation was contained in a goodwill message delivered on Thursday at the 80th Anniversary Founder’s Day Symposium with the theme: “Leadership in Times of Change: Embracing the Future of Business and Service to Humanity – A Global Approach”.

Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, praised YMCA Lagos for their enduring power of compassion and collective efforts through communal empowerment and development of people in Lagos state spanning eight decades. 

He said: “The YMCA legacy is built on the principles of integrity, inclusivity and a deep-seated belief in the potential of every individual. By nurturing young minds, promoting healthy living, and advocating for social justice, the YMCA of Lagos has played an instrumental role in shaping a brighter future for all”.

The Governor further acknowledged the efforts and contributions of its visionary founders, dedicated leaders, as well as volunteers and supportive partners, noting that their unwavering commitment and boundless generosity have paved the way for the many achievements of the association. 

He also expressed confidence that the YMCA of Lagos will continue to thrive, adapt and expand its reach at all times with the same principles that have sustained it for the past 80 years.   

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted some of the policies and programmes implemented by his administration under the THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda to ensure better living for the people of Lagos  State without leaving anyone behind. He pledged that much more would be achieved in collaboration with good-spirited Nigerians and Associations like YMCA. 

The Guest Speaker and Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo stated that the symposium must be taken as the beginning of a new conversation on leadership recruitment through the creation of a contextual model based on the exigencies of the leadership demands of the future.

According to him, the blueprint for the future is the urgent need to build new leaders beyond industry boundaries, but those with the modern skills to nurture the future by leading in a variety of situations and with diverse shades of people. 

The Founder’s Anniversary celebration also featured the Public Presentation of the YMCA of Lagos History Book @ 80 and the commissioning of the re-modelled  Rommney Hall of the Association.