LYMP Inducts New Members, Urges Government Recognition of Youth Work

The Leadership Institute for Youth and Early Childhood Management Professionals (LYMP) has inducted 10 new members during an oath-taking and honorary doctorate award ceremony held recently in Lagos.

With the theme *“Leading Gen Z in a Hyper Dynamic World,”* the event brought together youth-focused professionals to address the evolving demands of leadership and recognition in the youth and early childhood development sector.

President of the Institute, Dr. Bolarinwa Omotosho, explained that LYMP was founded to professionalize youth work and early childhood management in Nigeria. He lamented the lack of institutional recognition for youth workers, especially within religious organizations, despite their critical role.

“For over 34 years, I have served in youth ministry, beginning from the church. Yet, the church lacks structured provisions for youth workers. This gap led us to create the Anchor International Youth and Teen Work Academy in 2021, which offers free training sessions five times yearly,” Omotosho said.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s "certificate-driven" society made it necessary to establish a formal institute, hence the transformation into LYMP. “No Nigerian institution currently offers a degree in youth work. We need the government to support and recognize the efforts of caregivers, child workers, and youth leaders,” he said.

Dr. Omotosho also highlighted LYMP’s international partnerships, particularly with Kennedy University of Baptist, USA-France, and stressed the importance of recognizing volunteers—not just through monetary rewards, but by acknowledging their efforts and presence.

He urged the Federal Government and Ministry of Youth Development to push for legislation through the National Assembly that formally acknowledges and supports youth professionals.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for backing youth development and revealed plans to expand LYMP’s academic offerings to include Diploma, PGD, Master’s, and other professional certifications once accreditation is secured.

The induction ceremony was conducted by Emmanuel Oluwayemi, Chairman of Pillar College of Health Technology, who presented five honorary doctorate awards and conducted the oath-taking for the new members.