Southern Youth Forum confers Leadership Award on Dr Folayinka Dania

Dr. Folayinka Dania, the Lagos State Chief Resilience Officer, has been conferred with the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity. The honor was presented by the Southern Youth Forum during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Resilience Office (LASRO). The award recognizes her exemplary leadership and her significant efforts in advancing resilience strategies throughout the state.

In addition to the leadership award, Dr. Dania was named the “Most Outstanding Youth-Friendly Public Servant of the Year 2025.” This title reflects her dedication to empowering the younger generation and integrating them into the state’s broader development goals. The Southern Youth Forum praised her for being a proactive leader who consistently prioritizes the welfare and growth of Lagosian youths.

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Upon receiving the award, Dr. Dania expressed her gratitude to the forum, emphasizing that the honor belongs to her entire team. she highlighted the importance of institutionalizing a culture of resilience, ensuring that the state can withstand and recover from various challenges. Her leadership has been pivotal in making resilience a core component of public administration in Lagos.

​A key part of Dr. Dania’s strategy has been the expansion of "resilience thinking" into secondary schools. By engaging students at a young age, LASRO aims to build a more prepared and adaptable citizenry. This proactive approach ensures that the principles of resilience are not just government policies but are ingrained in the mindset of the next generation.

The Southern Youth Forum’s visit also served as an opportunity to discuss future collaborations aimed at strengthening youth engagement. The team noted that Dr. Dania’s work has created a blueprint for how public servants can effectively interact with and support the youth population. Her office continues to be a hub for innovative ideas that promote social stability and community strength.

​The recognition of Dr. Dania underscores the vital role of the Lagos State Resilience Office in the city's long-term planning. As Lagos continues to face urban challenges, leaders like Dr. Dania are essential for creating a sustainable and "shock-proof" environment. The award serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a motivation for continued excellence in public service.